What action is the franchisee required to take upon receiving the Gold Star Disclosure Document?

According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, upon receiving the document, a prospective franchisee must acknowledge its receipt by signing a detachable receipt. This receipt, included as Exhibit I, confirms that the franchisee has received the FDD and its accompanying exhibits. The FDD itself summarizes key provisions of the franchise agreement and other important information.

The document emphasizes the importance of carefully reading the entire Disclosure Document and all related agreements. Gold Star must provide the Disclosure Document to the prospective franchisee at least 14 calendar days before they sign any binding agreement or make any payment related to the franchise. This 14-day period allows franchisees to thoroughly review the document and seek professional advice.

The FDD also informs prospective franchisees of their rights and recourse in case of any discrepancies. Specifically, it states that if the Disclosure Document is not delivered on time, or if it contains any false or misleading statements, or material omissions, it could constitute a violation of federal and state law. In such cases, the franchisee is advised to report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in Washington, D.C., and the appropriate state agency, as identified in Exhibit G.