Does the Gokhale Method FDD specify an effective date for franchise offerings in the state of Washington?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Other states may require registration, filing, or exemption of a franchise under other laws, such as those that regulate the offer and sale of business opportunities or seller-assisted marketing plans.
EXHIBIT H TO THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT RECEIPT
This Disclosure Document summarizes certain provisions of the franchise agreement and other information in plain language. Read this disclosure document and all agreements carefully.
If Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. offers you a franchise, it must provide this Disclosure Document to you 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make a payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate in connection with the proposed franchise sale or grant.
If Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. does not deliver this Disclosure Document on time or if it contains a false or misleading statement, or a material omission, a violation of federal law and state law may have occurred and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580 and appropriate state agency listed in Exhibit "H". Gokhale Method Institute, Inc.'s registered agent authorized to receive service of process is Esther Gokhale, Gokhale Method Institute, Inc., 3790 El Camino Real, #1033, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
New York law requires a franchisor to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document at the earlier of the first personal meeting or ten (10) business days before the execution of the franchise or other agreement or the payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship.
The name, principal business address and telephone number of each franchise seller offering the franchise are:
Esther Gokhale Gokhale Method Institute, Inc. 3790 El Camino Real, #1033 Palo Alto, CA 94306
Date of Issuance: May 15, 2024
I received a disclosure document dated May 15, 2024, that included the following Exhibits:
A. Gokhale Method Franchise Agreement
Exhibit A – Franchise Fee Schedule and Price List
Exhibit B – Approved Formats
Exhibit C – Personal Guarantee
Exhibit D – State Amendments
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
The Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) does not explicitly state an effective date for franchise offerings in the state of Washington within the provided excerpts. However, the FDD does include Exhibit H, which lists state agencies that franchisees can report to if the disclosure document is not delivered on time, contains false or misleading statements, or has material omissions. This suggests that Washington may have specific regulations or requirements for franchise offerings. Additionally, Exhibit D to the Gokhale Method Franchise Agreement includes state amendments, although the provided excerpt only shows an amendment for California. This indicates that state-specific amendments may exist for other states, including Washington.
While the FDD does not provide a specific effective date for Washington, it does state that Gokhale Method must provide the Disclosure Document to a prospective franchisee 14 calendar days before they sign a binding agreement or make a payment to the franchisor or an affiliate. This 14-day review period is a standard practice in franchising, allowing potential franchisees time to carefully consider the opportunity. New York law requires a franchisor to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document at the earlier of the first personal meeting or ten (10) business days before the execution of the franchise or other agreement or the payment of any consideration that relates to the franchise relationship.
For a prospective Gokhale Method franchisee in Washington, it is important to consult Exhibit H in the FDD to identify the appropriate state agency and understand their rights. They should also inquire with Gokhale Method directly about any state-specific amendments or requirements for franchise offerings in Washington to ensure full compliance and understanding of their obligations and rights.