What a Franchise Manual Includes
1. Introduction to the Franchise
- Welcome message from the founder
- History of the business
- Franchise vision, mission, and values
- Purpose of the manual
2. Franchise Model Overview
- Franchise structure (single unit, master franchise, etc.)
- Franchisee rights and obligations
- Initial franchise fee and ongoing royalty fees
- Renewal and termination clauses (summarized from agreement)
3. Brand Standards
- Brand identity and guidelines (logo, colors, uniforms)
- Store design and signage standards
- Approved suppliers and materials
- Use of brand name in marketing
4. Site Selection and Setup
- Ideal location criteria
- Lease considerations
- Store layout and equipment requirements
- Pre-opening checklist
5. Training & Support
- Initial training program (what's included, how long, where)
- Ongoing support and refresher training
- Access to online or printed materials
- Franchisee responsibilities post-training
6. Operations Manual (Condensed)
- Daily operations and SOPs
- Opening and closing procedures
- Product preparation and consistency
- Cleanliness and maintenance
- POS usage and reporting
7. Marketing and Advertising
- National vs. local marketing responsibilities
- Co-op advertising contributions (if any)
- Approved promotions
- Use of social media and online assets
8. Human Resources
- Staffing structure
- Hiring and training policies
- Staff dress code
- Customer service training
9. Financial Reporting
- Required reports (daily sales, inventory, payroll)
- Submission schedule (weekly, monthly)
- Audit and compliance checks
10. Legal and Compliance
- Franchise agreement summary
- Health and safety standards
- Insurance requirements
- Non-compete and confidentiality clauses
11. Franchisee Evaluation
- Performance metrics
- Mystery shopper program (if used)
- Quality assurance and feedback loop
12. Expansion and Exit
- Opening multiple units
- Transfer of ownership
- Exit protocol and resale policy
Deliverables
- PDF Format (for print and training)
- Editable Word or Google Docs version
- Optional slide version for franchise presentations
Optional Add-Ons
- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) (if required by law in your area)
- Franchise Agreement Template
- Marketing Starter Kit (brochures, posters, social templates)
- Training Videos or SOP Companions