FDD Item 9
Franchisee's Obligations
FDD Item 9 is a cross-reference table that maps each major franchisee obligation to its corresponding section in the franchise agreement. It's the structural map of the franchisee's responsibilities.
Why It Matters
Item 9 doesn't add new obligations — it indexes them. Reading Item 9 first gives you the navigational map of the franchise agreement: which clauses cover royalties, operating standards, transfers, terminations, and post-term obligations.
What Item 9 Must Disclose
- Cross-reference table mapping franchisee obligations to specific franchise agreement sections
- Coverage of pre-opening, opening, ongoing operations, and post-term obligations
- Specific contractual references rather than summary descriptions
What to Look For
- Use Item 9 as the table of contents for reading the actual franchise agreement
- Pay attention to post-term and post-transfer obligations — they outlive the franchise relationship
- Cross-check Item 9's references against the actual franchise agreement to ensure no obligations are missing
Go Deeper
FDD Item 9 Explained: The Hidden Franchisee Obligations Map
Item 9 is the FDD's cross-reference index for everything you'll be obligated to do as a franchisee. Most buyers skim it. Here's how to read it like an attorney and the 4 obligations buyers consistently miss.