Franchises and Business Opportunities
For franchisors, franchisees and entrepreneurs interested in business opportunities, learn how to comply with the FTC’s Franchise Rule, and how to recognize and avoid business opportunity scams and franchise taboos.
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Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road [PDF]
Advertising on the Internet? The rules that apply to other forms of advertising apply to online marketing, too. These standards protect businesses and consumers – and help maintain the credibility of the Internet as an advertising medium.
Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business [PDF]
Focusing on federal truth-in-advertising standards, this A-to-Z primer is an essential resource for businesses of any size.
Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide [PDF]
Thinking about buying a franchise? Investigate before you invest. Before you sign on the dotted line, read this guide for advice on evaluating franchise opportunities.
Buying a Janatorial Service Franchise: Making a Clean Sweep [PDF]
Before investing cash in a janitorial service franchise, read the mandatory disclosure documents thoroughly. Don’t let a scammer “clean you out.”
Copier Data Security: A Guide for Businesses [PDF]
Does your company keep sensitive data — Social Security numbers, credit reports, account numbers, health records, or business secrets? If so, then you’ve probably instituted safeguards to protect that information. Your information security plans also should cover the digital copiers your company uses.
File Share and Share Alike? 
Does your business use peer-to-peer (P2P) networks? Learn the risks of file sharing, how to decide whether to allow it, and what measures you can take to keep your customers’ information – not to mention your own – safe.
Franchise Rule Compliance Guide [PDF]
This compliance guide helps franchisors comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s amended Franchise Rule.
Getting Business Credit [PDF]
Thinking about starting your own business or expanding the one you own? When you shop for a loan or line of credit, the law protects you against discrimination. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from denying you a loan based on reasons that have nothing to do with your credit-worthiness.
Looking to Earn Extra Income? Rule Helps You Avoid Bogus Business Opportunity Offers [PDF] [En español]
Thinking about investing in a bizopp? The FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule requires companies to disclose key information before you buy. Follow these tips to avoid a bizopp rip-off.
Medical Billing Opportunities: Worth a Second Opinion [PDF] [En español]
Ads for business opportunities doing medical billing may sound like the perfect work-at-home option, but beware. The reality is that few people who pay for medical billing opportunities make any money.
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing: A Guide for Business [PDF]
Most businesses collect and store sensitive information about their employees and customers. If you use Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing software in your business, consider the security implications and minimize the risks associated with it.
Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business [PDF] [En español]
Practical tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information.
Selling a Work-at-Home or Other Business Opportunity? Revised Rule May Apply to You [PDF] [En español]
If you sell business opportunities, including work-at-home bizopps, find out how the FTC’s revised Business Opportunity Rule may apply to you. Avoid a compliance miscue by making required disclosures and steering clear of prohibited practices.
Starting an Internet Business: Dream Job or Pipe Dream? [PDF] [En español]
Warns potential business owners about scammers that charge large upfront fees to help start internet businesses.
The Bottom Line About Multi-Level Marketing Plans [PDF]
There are multi-level marketing plans – and then there are pyramid schemes. Before signing on the dotted line, study the company’s track record, ask lots of questions, and seek out independent opinions about the business.
When Yellow Pages Invoices Are Bogus [PDF]
Unscrupulous promoters have been known to solicit ads for bogus business directories. Before you buy ad space or pay an “invoice” for a listing you didn’t authorize, take steps to recognize deceptive schemes.
You Oughta Be in Business – or Not [PDF]
Thinking about buying a business opportunity? Do you know enough about how to succeed? Take this quiz to find out if you’re ready to be a business owner.
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