For All County, is it a requirement to acknowledge that no cost promises were made that contradict the FDD?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Dated: As Individuals: Do not sign this Acknowledgment Addendum if you are a resident of Maryland or the business is to be operated in Maryland.
Acknowledgments and Representations.
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, prospective franchisees are required to acknowledge and represent that they understand the limitations on claims made during the franchise sales process. Specifically, the Acknowledgment Addendum aims to determine if any unauthorized, untrue, inaccurate, or misleading statements or promises were made to the franchisee. This process ensures that franchisees are aware of the constraints on claims they can make regarding the offer, sale, and operation of their All County franchise. This addendum is not applicable to residents of Maryland or businesses operated in Maryland.
This requirement is a protective measure for both All County and the franchisee. It ensures that the franchisee is not relying on any verbal promises or representations that are not documented in the Franchise Agreement. By signing the Acknowledgment Addendum, the franchisee confirms that they understand the terms and conditions of the franchise as outlined in the official documents, reducing the potential for future disputes based on misunderstandings or undocumented claims.
For franchisees in Virginia and California, the FDD includes additional protections. In Virginia, any acknowledgment signed by the franchisee cannot waive claims under state franchise law or disclaim reliance on statements made by All County or its representatives. Similarly, in California, no statement can waive claims of fraud or disclaim reliance on information provided by All County that induced the franchisee's investment. These provisions reinforce the importance of documented agreements and protect franchisees from potentially misleading information.