Does the All County questionnaire address statements about marketing support?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As you know, you and we are entering into a Franchise Agreement for the operation of an ALL COUNTY® franchise. The purpose of this Acknowledgment Addendum is to determine whether any statements or promises were made to you that we have not authorized or that may be untrue, inaccurate or misleading, and to be certain that you understand the limitations on claims that may be made by you by reason of the offer and sale of the franchise and operation of your business. Please review each of the following questions carefully and provide honest responses to each question. All representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel or waiver of liability are not intended to nor shall they act as a release, estoppel or waiver of liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the questionnaire included in the Acknowledgment Addendum aims to identify any unauthorized or untrue statements made during the franchise sales process. This includes ensuring prospective franchisees understand the limitations on claims related to the franchise offer, sale, and business operation. The document emphasizes the importance of honest responses to each question in the questionnaire. This process is designed to protect both All County and the franchisee by clarifying expectations and preventing misunderstandings from the outset of the franchise relationship.
Specifically, the Acknowledgment Addendum seeks to determine if any statements or promises were made to the franchisee that All County has not authorized or that may be untrue, inaccurate, or misleading. This suggests that All County is concerned about potential misrepresentations made during the sales process and wants to ensure that franchisees are not relying on information that is not officially sanctioned by the company. By addressing these issues upfront, All County aims to foster a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship with its franchisees.
However, the provided excerpt does not explicitly mention whether the questionnaire includes specific questions about marketing support. While the general purpose of the questionnaire is to uncover unauthorized or misleading statements, it is not clear if marketing support is a specific area of inquiry. A prospective franchisee should confirm with All County whether the questionnaire covers statements related to marketing support to ensure that any promises or representations made in this area are properly documented and understood.
It is important to note that the Acknowledgment Addendum includes a disclaimer for residents of Maryland or businesses operated in Maryland, stating that representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability are not intended to act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law. This highlights the importance of understanding the specific legal requirements and protections in different states when entering into a franchise agreement with All County.