Help & How-To

Franchises
How do I get a copy of a UFOC?
I am interested in seeing a copy of a particular UFOC, and so far have only found sites that will charge $200 for it. I spoke with a representative from the company that I am interested in and want to review the UFOC before submitting a franchise application. The website for this business has changed over the last couple of weeks and if the UFOC was there before its not now!

Asked by Oris Marsala
Posted: Tuesday, August 28, 2007  |  Found in Franchises


More answers by Mark Siebert
Answer by Mark Siebert
The cheapest way is to obtain a UFOC is through the California Department of Corporations.  The link http://134.186.208.228/caleasi/pub/Exsearch.h
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 should get you to their UFOC if the franchisor is registered in California and has not claimed an exemption.  If the franchisor is not registered in California, your options are to ask the franchisor directly, use one of the services that provide these UFOCs for a fee, or go directly to the state regulators in registration states (and request a copy under the Freedom of Information Act).  State agencies are sometimes slow to respond and will also charge you a fee. 
Mark Siebert has been a franchise consultant since 1985 and is the founder of iFranchise Group, an organization dedicated to developing long-term relationships with successful franchisors.


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