When must a franchisee sign and date the Carvel Franchisee Disclosure Acknowledgement?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Document and is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h).
- 18. Advisory Regarding Franchise Brokers. Under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, a "franchise broker" is defined as a person that engages
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a prospective franchisee must sign and date the Franchisee Disclosure Acknowledgement on the same day they sign the Franchise Agreement and pay the franchise fee. However, they cannot sign or date the Acknowledgment on the same day they receive the Franchise Disclosure Document.
This requirement ensures that the franchisee has had sufficient time to review the FDD and understand the terms of the agreement before formally acknowledging their understanding. It also aims to prevent any pressure or coercion to sign the acknowledgment prematurely.
It's important to note that this acknowledgement is not applicable if the franchise is subject to state franchise disclosure laws in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin. Furthermore, if the franchise is to be operated in, or the franchisee is a resident of, Maryland, the acknowledgement should not be signed at all. Franchisees should carefully review these conditions to determine if the acknowledgement applies to their specific situation.