What is a Franchise Operations Manual?

What is a franchise operations manual? Simply put, it’s the essential playbook that ensures every franchisee replicates the franchisor’s brand, processes, and standards across all franchise locations. This critical document lays out everything from daily operations to branding guidelines and legal requirements, emphasizing its role in ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance across all franchise locations. … Read more

Trade Compliance Roles and Responsibilities Cheatsheet

If you’re looking for an actionable trade compliance role and responsibilities cheatsheet, you’ve come to the right place. Cut through the complexity and get straight to the core of what trade compliance professionals do, from managers and officers to advisors and executives. Ensure your team is compliant and efficient with this essential guide. Key Takeaways … Read more

What Does ‘Royalty Fee’ Mean in a Franchise Agreement?

A contract with a crown on top

What does a royalty fee mean in a franchise agreement? It’s the ongoing cost you, as a franchisee, pay to the franchisor for using their brand and receiving continuous support. In this article, you’ll learn how these fees are determined, managed, and their role in franchising success. Key Takeaways Royalty fees are ongoing payments made … Read more

What Is a Customs Notice of Seizure and How to Respond

What does receiving a “what is a customs notice of seizure” mean for you? This urgent communication from US Customs and Border Protection indicates that your goods have been seized due to suspected customs violations. You’ve got a narrow window of time to act and potentially reverse the seizure. In this article, we outline what … Read more

Understanding Your Personal Guarantees in a Franchise Agreement

A contract with a magnifying glass hovering over it

Entering into a franchise agreement often involves a critical component that could impact your personal financial security: the personal guarantee. When considering a franchise opportunity, understanding the implications of signing a personal guarantee is essential. This direct responsibility for the franchise’s obligations ties your personal assets to the success of the business. This article delves … Read more

Fiction’s Finest Franchises: From Magic to Mystery Meat

Let’s embark on a whimsical expedition through the uncharted territories of fiction’s most beloved and bizarre concepts. Where the realms of imagination serve up a menu of opportunities and challenges that are as flavorful as they are fanciful, I have compiled a list of my favorite fictional concepts that would be great as a franchise. … Read more

Why Sanctions Screening Helps Exporters Prosper

Terrorist financing isn’t always obvious. You might unknowingly do business with its supporters through oversight. Selecting customers that are threats to national security or human rights abusers. I have news for you.  This doesn’t need to be the case. My purpose here is to help you avoid regulatory bodies that could disrupt business.  Continue if … Read more

What is Sanction Screening Process?

Financial crimes are multiplying as the business landscape trends towards the digital realm. Another vulnerability is our move away from fiat currency. Sanctions breaches, whether intentional or otherwise, are exposing owners to higher risk.  That’s the bad news. But the good news is that you can prevent this event. Reviewing global sanctions lists is one … Read more

Importing Food Products into the United States

“Sir, put down the orange and step away from the vehicle!” commanded the official. In real life, don’t expect this exact scenario to play out.  But humor aside, you must still follow a process to import food products. For experienced importers, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements aren’t anything new.  We’ll help you meet them … Read more