TOP 10 FDD Download sites
This guide explores 10 methods to obtain a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), detailing resources like Franchise Help, FRANData, and state databases such as those in Wisconsin and California.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
In this guide, we will explore 10 ways to obtain a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). These methods include both paid and free options. Four of these methods are paid, while six are free. Let’s dive into the options, starting with the paid ones.
Paid Options
Franchise Help
Franchise Help offers FDDs for $199 per document. This platform allows you to sort by industry or alphabetically. It is a reliable source for older FDDs but less effective for newer ones from 2020, 2021, and 2022.
FranChimp
FranChimp provides access to 4,400+ FDDs at a modest price of $5 per FDD. This site is also better suited for older FDDs and has fewer 2022 documents listed.
FRANData
FRANData claims to have the largest database of franchise information. It stands out because of the thoroughness of its FDD listings, which include:
- Master franchisees
- Amendments
- Specific state filings
- Sub-franchises
- Single-unit amended FDDs
- Multi-unit development
FRANData offers 8,325 FDDs, with nearly 2,500 2022 documents, although many are updates or revisions. Access comes at a price of $220 per FDD.
TheFDDStore
TheFDDStore offers 7,396 FDDs, including 550 from 2022. They provide bulk pricing, offering 10 FDDs for $400 ($40 per FDD). This pricing makes it more cost-effective than FRANData and Franchise Help, but not as low as FranChimp’s $5 per document.
Free Options
FDD Exchange
FDD Exchange, a sister site to TheFDDStore, allows users to view one free FDD per day. For $39 a month, users can access up to 100 FDDs monthly. FDD Exchange has a total of 7,876 FDDs.
Franchise Direct
Franchise Direct is primarily an advertisement portal for franchise opportunities. They have around 300 FDDs, mainly for larger brands. Some of these FDDs are difficult to obtain, as they may not be registered in certain states. As of September 2022, Franchise Direct is not charging for FDD access.
Wisconsin Franchise Database
Wisconsin regulates the sale of franchises and requires franchisors to register to sell in the state. The Wisconsin Franchise Database offers a free directory of FDDs. This is a valuable resource if you’re looking for comprehensive franchise data.
California Franchise Database
Similar to Wisconsin, California regulates franchise sales and requires registration. Their database also provides free access to FDDs. This resource is available to those within the U.S. and should be accessible even if you’re not physically in California.
Minnesota FDD Database
The Minnesota FDD Database is another free resource, though it has fewer FDDs compared to California and Wisconsin. It serves as a good backup option if you can’t find what you’re looking for on other state-level databases.
Indiana FDD Database
The Indiana FDD Database is the final free option on our list. Like other state databases, it provides access to franchise disclosure documents for free.
Conclusion
These 10 resources are great starting points for obtaining Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), which are crucial for making informed franchise investments. Four of these options are paid, and six are free. Be sure to secure an FDD before making any franchise investment, as it is an essential document for due diligence.
