Is This Programme Right for You?

This module begins with the structure of a typical disclosure document and what each section is intended to communicate. It then moves to what is frequently absent from these documents and why. You will learn to read financial performance representations critically, understand the significance of franchisee turnover data, and identify territorial protection clauses that may be less protective than they appear.

This module maps the full range of fees that may appear in a franchise agreement and provides frameworks for assessing whether each is within a range typical for the Polish market. Initial franchise fees, royalty structures, marketing fund contributions, technology and IT fees, training fees, and renewal fees are each examined. The module also covers how fee structures interact with each other and how to calculate the total effective cost of the franchise relationship over a realistic operating period.

Existing franchisees are the most valuable source of independent information about any franchise network. This module provides a structured methodology for identifying franchisees to speak with, approaching them, and conducting interviews that yield genuinely useful information. The module addresses the fact that some franchisees may feel constrained by confidentiality provisions and provides techniques for navigating these conversations productively.

Poland does not have specific franchise legislation. Franchise agreements are governed by the general provisions of the Polish Civil Code (Kodeks cywilny), supplemented by principles applicable to commercial contracts. This module explains which Civil Code provisions are most relevant to franchise relationships, how courts have interpreted key clauses in published decisions, and what this means for common franchise agreement terms including exclusivity, non-compete provisions, termination rights, and intellectual property licensing.

This module builds a complete break-even model from first principles using cost categories specific to operating a business in Poland. It covers ZUS social insurance contributions for sole traders and employees, commercial lease structures in Polish cities of different sizes, current and projected minimum wage obligations, VAT implications, and sector-specific variable cost patterns. The module emphasises building models with realistic assumptions rather than optimistic ones.

The final module provides a framework for synthesising all the information gathered through modules one to five. It addresses how to weigh qualitative factors such as franchisee satisfaction and support quality against quantitative factors such as fee burden and break-even timelines. It also covers the process of identifying deal-breaker conditions and how to use your analysis as the basis for final negotiations or a decision not to proceed.