Can this form be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the signature meets intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is generally not required for initial franchise business requests, but specific states or franchisor policies may require notarized signatures for certain guaranties or supporting affidavits; verify with counsel.

What if an applicant’s TIN is incorrect?

An incorrect TIN can trigger backup withholding and delay onboarding; obtain a corrected W-9 and consider tax consequences such as backup withholding at the IRS-prescribed rate.

How long should records be retained?

Retain franchise intake records for the active period plus at least three years; extend retention for tax and HIPAA records as required by federal rules and applicable state statutes.

Can a signed request be revoked?

Revocation depends on the terms of the document and timing; an applicant may rescind before contract execution, but signed representations may have legal consequences—consult counsel for specific steps.

What if a signer can’t access email for verification?

Provide alternative authentication such as SMS codes, phone verification, or in-person signing options. Maintain records of the alternative authentication method used for compliance.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Franchise Business Request

Franchise Business Request

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

FRANCHISE BUSINESS REQUEST

This Franchise Business Request (the "Request") is submitted on behalf of:

Franchisee Name Franchisor Name Primary Contact Franchisee Address

Phone

Email

Proposed Opening Date

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Franchisor: owns and operates a business system and trademarks related to the operation of the franchised business; and

WHEREAS, Franchisee: seeks to obtain rights and enter into discussions and preliminary contractual arrangements to operate a franchised unit at the proposed location described below; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth the terms pursuant to which Franchisor will evaluate and conditionally approve Franchisee's request and associated preliminary obligations.

PROPOSED LOCATION & OPERATIONS

Proposed Franchise Location Proposed Trade Name (if different)

SCOPE OF WORK

Franchisee requests that Franchisor provide the following preliminary services and assessments in connection with the review and approval of the proposed franchise unit. Franchisee acknowledges that completion of these items does not itself create a franchise license unless and until a definitive Franchise Agreement has been executed by both parties.

Detailed Scope of Work Requested

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

The Franchisee submits the following items with this Request (check applicable).

Items Submitted Business Plan Financial Statements Site Plan / Lease Proposal Proof of Funds Other Documents (describe below)

PAYMENT TERMS

In consideration for preliminary review, site assessment, and other deliverables expressly requested herein, Franchisee agrees to the following payment structure. Fees paid under this Request are non-refundable except as expressly stated in a subsequent written agreement.

Fee Amount Payment Schedule / Milestones

Late payment shall accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum permitted by applicable law. Franchisee shall be responsible for all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

Late Fee / Interest (describe)

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Request will become effective upon receipt by Franchisor of the initial fee and shall continue in effect until the earlier of: (a) execution of a definitive Franchise Agreement by the parties; (b) written rejection of the Request by Franchisor; or (c) expiration as set forth below.

Effective Date

Expiration Date

Notice Period for Termination

Either party may terminate this Request prior to execution of a Franchise Agreement by giving the other party written notice in accordance with the notice period above. Termination shall not relieve the Franchisee of liability for fees or reimbursements incurred prior to termination.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information furnished by either party in connection with this Request and marked as confidential, or that reasonably should be understood to be confidential given the nature of the information and the circumstances of disclosure, shall be held in strict confidence by the receiving party. Receiving party shall not disclose confidential information except (a) to its employees, agents or professional advisors who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations, (b) as required by law, or (c) with prior written consent of the disclosing party. Confidentiality obligations shall survive termination of this Request for a period of three (3) years.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Franchisee represents and warrants that all information submitted with this Request is true, accurate and complete to the best of its knowledge, and that Franchisee has the authority to submit this Request on behalf of the entity identified above. Franchisor makes no warranty or representation concerning approval of the franchise, site suitability, or profitability absent execution of a separate Franchise Agreement.

GOVERNING LAW

This Request shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction specified below, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

Governing Jurisdiction (State)

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Request, together with any attachments and schedules expressly incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous oral and written agreements and understandings between the parties relating to such subject matter. Any amendment or modification must be in writing and executed by authorized representatives of both parties.

NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Request shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth above or to such other address as a party may designate by written notice delivered in accordance with this paragraph.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the undersigned represents and warrants that they are duly authorized to execute this Request on behalf of the party identified and that the party agrees to be bound by the terms set forth herein to the extent applicable.

Franchisor Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Franchisee Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Franchise Business Request Is

A Franchise Business Request is a structured application used by prospective franchisees to submit core business information to a franchisor for initial evaluation. Typical content includes legal entity details, ownership and management background, business and financial history, requested territory or location, and acknowledgments of franchise disclosure terms. The form creates a consistent record for review, helps franchisors screen candidates, and can serve as the basis for follow-up due diligence, contract negotiation, and regulatory filings where state franchise laws apply. Electronic versions may be signed and retained under ESIGN and UETA.

Why a Standardized Request Matters

A standard Franchise Business Request reduces back-and-forth, collects comparable data from multiple applicants, and documents the franchisor’s screening decisions. It supports consistent decision-making, preserves a clear audit trail of the information supplied, and helps identify compliance needs such as registration or disclosure requirements in specific states.

Who Completes and Reviews This Request

The Franchise Business Request is completed by prospective franchisees and reviewed by franchisor staff, legal counsel, and development or territory managers.

Prospective Franchisee — Completes background, financials, proposed location, and references for initial screening.
Franchisor Development Team — Reviews territory fit, financial capacity, and operational readiness for approval decisions.
Franchisor Legal/Compliance — Checks disclosure acknowledgments, state registration triggers, and any regulatory exceptions.

Use a clear internal routing plan so each reviewer sees only the sections they need and so responses are consolidated before approval or denial.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Franchise Business Request

Follow these steps to prepare and submit a complete request, whether using paper or an electronic workflow.

01

Collect Documents: Gather formation, financial, and identity documents before you begin.
02

Enter Information: Complete each field with the formats noted in the fillable fields guide.
03

Attach Support: Upload financial statements, references, and any required disclosures.
04

Submit and Sign: Sign electronically or in person; retain a copy and confirm receipt with franchisor.

Configuring an Online Submission Workflow

A predictable workflow reduces reviewer confusion and ensures required approvals are captured in order.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequential review by development, compliance, legal
Authentication	Email link plus optional SMS code for higher assurance
Attachments Required	Make financials and IDs mandatory uploads
Notifications	Set automated reminders at 3 and 7 days

Where to Send and How the Request Flows

Understand typical routing: submission, internal review, signature collection, and final storage.

Submit: Applicant uploads form and supporting files to portal or sends via secure link.
Review: Development and compliance teams review and annotate required changes.
Sign: Authorized parties sign electronically or execute notarized pages if required.
Store: Final package is archived and added to the franchisee file.

Digital Signing and Integration Considerations

Ensure the eSignature provider offers audit trails and retention options compatible with your legal and recordkeeping requirements.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace support
File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and Excel supported
Authentication: Email, SMS, and SSO options

Typical Timelines and Processing Expectations

Processing times vary by franchisor and complexity; use explicit internal SLAs so applicants know what to expect.

Initial Acknowledgment:

Within 3 business days of submission

Franchisor Review:

Commonly 7–30 calendar days, depending on volume

Request for More Info:

Applicant typically has 7–14 days to respond

Approval Decision:

Often issued within 30–60 days after complete submission

Contract Preparation:

Additional 7–21 days once approved

Common Mistakes That Delay Approval

Incomplete financial attachments or redacted bank statements that prevent verification and require resubmission.
Mismatched names between formation documents, TIN, and signature block that block identity confirmation.
Missing disclosure acknowledgments or unsigned consent language that create compliance holds.
Uploading unsupported file formats or oversized attachments that fail automated checks.

Key Risks and Potential Consequences

Misrepresentation: May void approval or lead to termination

Regulatory Fines: State registration failures can trigger penalties

Tax Exposure: Incorrect TINs can cause backup withholding

Contract Delay: Incomplete requests extend time to execution

Personal Liability: Directors or guarantors may be exposed

Recordkeeping Failure: Loss of evidentiary trail in disputes

Essential Components to Include

A professional Franchise Business Request groups information into clear sections so reviewers can assess fit quickly.

Applicant Identity

Full legal name, formation documents, EIN, and principal contact details for identity verification and background checks.

Ownership Structure

List owners, equity splits, and control individuals so franchisors can evaluate decision-making and guarantor availability.

Financial Information

Recent balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and bank statements demonstrating liquidity and ability to fund startup costs.

Business Plan

Summary of proposed location, market analysis, staffing plan, and initial investment assumptions for territory suitability.

References

Bank, landlord, and professional references that franchisors can contact to verify reliability and history.

Acknowledgments

Signed confirmations that the applicant received the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consented to background checks.

Comparison: Typical eSignature Pricing and Capabilities

Select an eSignature provider that meets security, compliance, and integration needs; pricing models and feature caps vary across vendors.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies by plan
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 available

Legal Frameworks: ESIGN and UETA legal equivalence

HIPAA Support: HIPAA-compliant with BAA where required

Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps, IP, and action logs

Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance

Real-World Examples of Digital Franchise Intake

These short examples show how organizations used electronic workflows to streamline applicant intake and maintain compliance.

Optica Ventures LLC

Optica sped internal processing with a simple, mobile-friendly intake form.

The interface was easy to use for customers.
Optica retained consistent records and reduced turnarounds while preserving an auditable signing trail.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties processed franchisee requests online with full compliance controls.

Executions worked on mobile and offline.
The firm reported faster returns of completed requests and more efficient onboarding of approved franchisees.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Requests

Adopt process controls and quality checks so submissions are complete on first pass and reviewers can act quickly.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Require applicants to confirm attachments and identity documents against a checklist. A mandatory checklist cut iterative review cycles and ensured reviewers received standardized evidence for financial and identity checks.

Use Conditional Fields

Show fields only when relevant to reduce mistakes. Conditional logic reduces dead-end entries and prevents applicants from submitting irrelevant or contradictory answers that require manual follow-up.

Mandate Preferred Formats

Specify PDF for contracts and CSV for financial data. Requiring specific file formats prevents conversion errors and preserves document fidelity for legal review and archived copies.

Maintain an Audit Log

Log reviewer actions, signer authentication, and version history. A complete audit trail simplifies dispute resolution and supports regulatory compliance audits if state registration or licensing is challenged.

Typical Signatory Roles

Franchisor Counsel

Legal counsel reviews disclosures, confirms compliance with state registration requirements, and drafts contract changes. They typically sign off on final acceptance and coordinate execution of the franchise agreement in coordination with development teams.

Prospective Franchisee

The primary applicant provides attestations, financial statements, and identity verification, and signs the request. Their signature binds them to any representations made in the request and triggers the franchisor’s due diligence process.

How to Update or Revise a Submitted Request

Use a clear revision process so updates are tracked and prior versions remain available for audit.

01

Identify:

Note the specific section needing revision

02

Draft:

Prepare amended language and supporting files

03

Annotate:

Explain reason for change in comments

04

Approve:

Reviewer approves the amended submission

05

Sign:

All required parties re-sign the updated sections

06

Archive:

Store prior and updated versions together

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about completing, signing, and storing a Franchise Business Request.

Need help? Contact support

Can this form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the signature meets intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is generally not required for initial franchise business requests, but specific states or franchisor policies may require notarized signatures for certain guaranties or supporting affidavits; verify with counsel.
What if an applicant’s TIN is incorrect?
An incorrect TIN can trigger backup withholding and delay onboarding; obtain a corrected W-9 and consider tax consequences such as backup withholding at the IRS-prescribed rate.
How long should records be retained?
Retain franchise intake records for the active period plus at least three years; extend retention for tax and HIPAA records as required by federal rules and applicable state statutes.
Can a signed request be revoked?
Revocation depends on the terms of the document and timing; an applicant may rescind before contract execution, but signed representations may have legal consequences—consult counsel for specific steps.
What if a signer can’t access email for verification?
Provide alternative authentication such as SMS codes, phone verification, or in-person signing options. Maintain records of the alternative authentication method used for compliance.

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