For Mr. Sandless franchisees in Washington, what specific action is prohibited regarding this document?

According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees in Washington are specifically prohibited from signing or initialing the Franchisee Acknowledgment Statement. This restriction is clearly stated on the document itself, which is not for use in California, Maryland, or Washington.

This prohibition is significant because the Franchisee Acknowledgment Statement typically includes acknowledgments of the franchisee's independent investigation, understanding of business risks, and disclaimer of reliance on franchisor representations. By not signing or initialing this document, Mr. Sandless franchisees in Washington retain certain legal rights and protections that would otherwise be waived.

Specifically, the FDD states that no statement signed by a franchisee can waive claims under state franchise law, including fraud, or disclaim reliance on franchisor statements. This suggests that Washington franchisees have stronger legal recourse in case of disputes or misrepresentations compared to franchisees in states where the acknowledgment is signed. Prospective franchisees in Washington should understand this distinction and consult with legal counsel to fully grasp their rights and obligations under the franchise agreement.