Terms and Conditions of Use
These Terms govern your use of the Shopfront retail franchise directory and educational comparison tools.
1. Marketplace & Informational Role
Shopfront is an independent informational discovery platform. We are NOT a franchisor, franchise broker, lender, or financial adviser. No information contained on this website constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise.
2. FTC 14-Day Disclosure Rule
Federal Trade Commission Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 436): Franchisors must provide prospective franchisees with a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 calendar days before any contract execution or fee payment.
Shopfront strongly advises every user to utilize this statutory 14-day review period to examine all 23 FDD items with a qualified franchise attorney.
3. Item 19 Financial Representations
Earnings representations, sales metrics, and historical unit revenue figures presented on Shopfront are derived from franchisor public Item 19 disclosures or self-reported materials. AltFTool does not independently audit franchisor financial books and does not guarantee financial performance.
4. Item 7 Initial Investment Accuracy
Estimated startup costs (leasehold improvements, initial inventory, working capital) vary widely by geographic location and market conditions. Review Item 7 of the specific franchisor's current FDD for definitive estimates.
5. Limitation of Liability & Consultant Independence
Franchise consultants and advisors introduced through Shopfront operate as independent professionals. AltFTool accepts no liability for commercial decisions, franchise agreements, or capital commitments made between users and third-party franchisors.