You’ve spent years — maybe a lifetime — build- ing a business, and now you’re ready to move on. With so much time, money and energy invested, you want to ensure that the fruits of your labor are duly rewarded. Before you take the plunge, take stock of the marketplace. Is the economy too sluggish or credit too tight? Decide [...]

You don’t have to be a lawyer to reap the benefits of writing your own contracts. A little common sense goes a long way and a good contract does more that just cover your rear should you end up in court. Written correctly, a contract can demonstrate business professionalism, weed out insincere clients, organize your duties, speed up your pay, [...]

After gathering all the information you will need to make an informed purchase decision, carefully examine this information with your attorney, accountant or business advisor ensuring that it is addressed in the franchise contract. Think carefully about the level of independence you will maintain as a franchisee and how comprehensive the operating controls will be. Be very clear about the [...]