FDD Decoder
Understand the disclosure before you commit
Upload your franchise disclosure document and get a plain-English breakdown with risk scoring and cost analysis.
$297 AUD per report
The FDD Decoder helps prospective franchisees understand what a disclosure document may mean in practice — including ongoing cost exposure, operational restrictions, and areas that deserve closer legal review.
Built for Australian franchise buyers who want clarity before they commit.
For educational and informational purposes only. Not legal or financial advice.
What's included in your report
Plain-English summary
A structured explanation of the key commercial and operational terms in the document.
Risk scoring
Clauses grouped by practical risk areas such as renewal, transfer, territory, restraint, supply obligations, and control.
5-year cost snapshot
A clearer view of ongoing fees and financial commitments beyond the headline entry cost.
Tailored question list
A focused list of issues to discuss with the franchisor and your franchise lawyer.
Sample Decoder Output
Below is an example of the type of summary and structure the FDD Decoder produces. This sample is for demonstration purposes only and does not represent legal advice or a recommendation to proceed.
FDD Decoder Report
Sample Franchise Pty Ltd
Overall Summary
Moderate-to-high contractual control, moderate ongoing fee burden, and several clauses requiring legal review before signing.
Risk Flags
- Higher attentionTransfer approval rights may materially affect your ability to exit
- ModerateTerritory wording may allow trading overlap or indirect encroachment
- ModerateMandatory supplier provisions may increase cost exposure over time
- ReviewRenewal rights may depend on conditions that are easy to overlook
Cost View
| Fee category | Type |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Disclosed |
| Ongoing royalties | % of revenue |
| Marketing levy | % of revenue |
| Technology / platform fees | Fixed periodic |
| Required supplier commitments | Variable |
| Indicative make-good exposure | End of term |
| Working capital buffer | Recommended |
Questions Before Signing
- Under what circumstances can the franchisor refuse a transfer?
- What practical protection exists against nearby trading overlap?
- Which supplier arrangements are mandatory and how often can pricing change?
- What conditions must be met for renewal?
Sample only. Final reports depend on the contents and quality of the uploaded disclosure materials.
How it works
Upload your document
Submit your disclosure document in PDF format.
We analyse the structure and clauses
The system identifies key commercial, operational, and risk-related sections.
Receive a structured report
You get a practical summary designed to help you ask better questions before signing.
Why buyers use the Decoder
Buying a franchise is not just about the upfront price. Ongoing fees, operational restrictions, approval rights, supplier obligations, and renewal conditions can materially affect the commercial reality of the business.
The Decoder is designed to help you understand those issues earlier — before you spend more time, money, and emotional energy moving forward.
Upload your document
Submit your franchise disclosure document to get started. PDF format, up to 25MB.
$297 AUD per report
Upload Your FDD
PDF only. Maximum 25MB. Your document is processed securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload a real disclosure document?
Yes. The tool is designed to analyse uploaded franchise disclosure materials and produce a structured educational summary.
Does the report replace a franchise lawyer?
No. The report is not legal advice and should be used alongside independent professional review.
Will the report tell me whether I should buy the franchise?
No. It helps you understand costs, clause risks, and key questions to investigate before making a decision.
Do you show my uploaded document publicly?
No. Client uploads are used only for report generation and are not displayed publicly.
Why show a sample instead of a real client document?
Sample outputs allow us to demonstrate the product without exposing private or sensitive information.
Important disclaimer
The FDD Decoder provides structured educational information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice and is not a substitute for review by a qualified franchise lawyer or accountant. Always obtain independent professional advice before signing any franchise agreement or related document.