Am I considered a Southern Steer franchisee before I receive a written franchise agreement executed by Southern Steer?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee have received a copy of the complete disclosure document required by the Trade Regulation Rule of the Federal Trade Commission concerning the franchise at least 14 calendar days prior to the date on which this Agreement was executed.
Franchisee have received a fully completed copy of this Agreement at least seven calendar days prior to signing it.
The Franchisee acknowledges that he/she/it signed and dated the Receipt Page attached to the franchise disclosure document.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee acknowledges receiving a copy of the disclosure document at least 14 calendar days before the agreement is executed. Additionally, the franchisee must receive a fully completed copy of the franchise agreement at least seven calendar days before signing it.
This indicates that the franchise agreement needs to be executed (signed) to formalize the relationship. Prior to this, the prospective franchisee is in a review and consideration period, as is standard franchise industry practice. The FDD provides a period for the franchisee to review the documents and seek advice before committing to the agreement.
Southern Steer emphasizes that the franchisee acknowledges signing and dating the receipt page attached to the franchise disclosure document. This receipt confirms that the franchisee has received the FDD, but it does not signify the start of the franchise relationship. The franchise relationship begins upon the execution of the franchise agreement.