If you’re searching for a franchise consultant to franchise your business, it’s critical to understand what they can—and can’t—do. Many so-called “one-stop-shop” consultants blur the line between legal and consulting services, leaving founders with risky, non-compliant franchise systems.
At The Internicola Law Firm, we often hear from business owners who thought they were on the right path—until something went wrong. Over and over, the problem traces back to a consultant who promised to “handle everything.” The result? Generic documents, missing disclosures, and wasted capital.
If you’re serious about franchising your business, you need to know what warning signs to look for.
How to Spot Red Flags in Franchise Consultants
Thinking about working with a franchise consultant? Before you commit to anything, make sure you understand what consultants can—and can’t—do. Too many “one-stop shop” promises blur the line between legal and consulting services, leaving founders with risky, non-compliant systems that stall growth and burn capital.
To see where consultants fit (and why a lawyer should be your first call), compare:
→ Franchise Consultants vs. Franchise Lawyers
→ Guide to Selecting a Franchise Lawyer
Questions that Reveal Franchise Consultant Red Flags:
- Who is drafting my FDD and franchise agreement—what specific law firm and which attorney?
- Will I have a direct attorney-client relationship (I pay the lawyer directly and speak to them directly)?
- How will my Item 19 be developed to support sales and compliance?
- Are operations manuals and assets customized to my brand (not generic templates)?
- What’s the sequence (legal → readiness → growth), and how will you avoid registration/sales violations?
The 4 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
1. They Call Themselves a “One-Stop Shop”
Be cautious of consultants who claim they can handle everything—from legal FDD development and trademark registration to marketing and sales. FDD drafting and franchise agreement preparation are legal services that must be performed by a licensed franchise lawyer—not a consultant.
When a consultant tries to “bundle” these services, you risk violating federal and state laws before you even start. It’s a shortcut that often leads to expensive repairs and do-overs.
2. You Don’t Have a Direct Relationship with Your Lawyer
If a consultant tells you they have an “in-house lawyer” or that your FDD will be “reviewed by an attorney,” that’s a red flag. You should always:
- Pay your lawyer directly, and
- Communicate with them directly.
Without a true attorney-client relationship, you lose legal accountability and quality control. In many cases, the consultant outsources your documents to low-cost providers with little franchise experience.
3. They Avoid Transparency about Item 19 Financials
Franchise sales require trust and transparency. If a consultant discourages you from including your financial performance (Item 19) in your FDD, it’s a sign of poor strategy or lack of readiness. A well-structured Item 19 builds credibility and helps close deals the right way.
The brands that succeed long-term are transparent about their numbers and prepared to support franchisees based on real data and systems.
4. They Offer Generic Manuals and Marketing Assets
A franchise operations manual is not a template. It’s a living document that defines your brand standards and training systems. Consultants that bundle “pre-written” manuals or generic sales videos deliver products that don’t match your business model—and don’t add value.
Your manual and marketing materials should be custom-built around your brand story, customer experience, and support structure.
Common Questions About Franchise Consultants
A franchise consultant is a non-lawyer service provider who helps business owners explore franchising. Consultants may offer guidance on operations, manuals, or sales—but they are not legally qualified to prepare your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or franchise agreement.
Unlike licensed attorneys, there is no official certification, education, or accreditation required to become a franchise consultant. Anyone can call themselves one, regardless of experience or qualifications. Because of that, it’s critical to understand a consultant’s background and ensure all legal work is handled by a qualified franchise lawyer.
No. Legal documents like FDDs and franchise agreements must be prepared by an attorney experienced in franchise law. If a consultant claims they “handle” or “review” your legal documents, it’s a red flag. You should always have a direct relationship with your lawyer.
Most founders don’t need a consultant right away. The first step is always to work with a franchise lawyer who can ensure your legal foundation is compliant and strategically aligned. Once your legal structure and FDD are complete, a consultant may assist later with operational systems or sales support—under your lawyer’s guidance.
Franchise the Right Way
There are many talented consultants who provide value in specific areas such as operations, marketing, or sales—but they should never replace the role of a qualified franchise lawyers.
At The Internicola Law Firm, we help business owners franchise their business the right way — through legal compliance, strategic planning, and growth-aligned structuring from day one. Ranked #1 in the U.S. by Entrepreneur Magazine, our team has helped more than 350 brands nationwide build smart franchise systems.
Talk to a Franchise Lawyer About Your Next Steps
Franchising your business starts with the right legal foundation. Our team helps business owners structure, protect, and launch their franchise systems with clarity and confidence. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your goals and how to get started.