Take a look at these resources:


Visit the FTC's Web site. The FTC maintains a useful Web site where you can read general guidelines about buying a franchise and catch up on FTC enforcement activity.

Check the Franchise Registry. This innovative program can smooth the way for borrowing money under the SBA loan guarantee program when you come to purchase franchise rights. You can find out if a particular franchisor has registered with this program by logging on to the Web site. Find out if there are veterans' benefits. Many franchisors offer special financial incentives for veterans. Read about the VetFran program here. Get franchisee evaluations. Prospective franchisees can get survey results from an online service that asks existing franchisees for their opinions about their franchise programs.

Get help from franchisee associations. There are three national trade associations of franchisees: 1) the International Franchise Association in Washington, DC, which is a trade group of franchisors and franchisees; 2) the San Diego-based American Association of Franchisees & Dealers, which publishes the Fair Franchising Standards; and 3) the Franchisee Association in Chicago.