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A New Way to Review an FDD: Clearly Launches Guided Review
Don't just read the FDD. Work through it.
§ Quick answer
Guided Review is a step-by-step review of a Franchise Disclosure Document inside a Clearly™ Workspace. Clara, Clearly's Expert FDD Assistant, takes you through the filing Item by Item: what each Item says, why it matters, and what to verify. Every answer cites the Item and page in the FDD. You can stop and ask your own questions at any point, and your place in the review is saved.
Why an FDD is hard to review on your own
An FDD is long, and it is organized the way the law requires, not around the questions a buyer has. Fees are in one Item, the investment in another, outlet history in a third, and the terms that govern all of it are in the franchise agreement at the back. Reading it start to finish tells you what it says. It does not tell you which details matter for your decision or what still needs to be checked.
How Guided Review works
1. Open the brand's Workspace and start Guided Review.
Choose "Walk me through this FDD."
2. Work through it Item by Item.
For each Item, Clara explains what the filing says, why the disclosure matters, and what to verify.
3. Check the source.
Every answer cites the Item and page. Follow the link to read the disclosure itself in the FDD.
4. Ask anything without losing your place.
Ask a follow-up in your own words. When you are done, the review picks up where you left off.
5. Save what still needs an answer.
Add questions to Questions to Ask as they come up, then download them as a PDF for conversations with the franchisor, current and former franchisees, and your attorney or accountant.
6. Leave and come back.
Your Guided Review progress is saved, so you return to the Item where you stopped.
What is saved, and what isn't
- Guided Review progress is saved. You return to where you stopped.
- Notes and Questions to Ask are saved in the Workspace.
- Clara's chat is not saved after you leave. You can export it anytime. When you return, you start a new conversation and the review continues from your saved place.
What Guided Review does, and what it doesn't
Clara explains what the FDD says, with the Item and page. She gives no opinions, recommendations, or legal advice, and she answers only from the FDD open in that Workspace. Guided Review does not replace a franchise attorney, an accountant, or calls with franchisees. It helps you arrive at those conversations knowing what the filing discloses and what you still need to ask.
Try it
The McDonald's Workspace is open at no cost and previews five Items with Guided Review. For any other brand, find it in the Directory and open its Workspace.
Frequently asked questions
How do I review an FDD?
Work through it Item by Item. For each Item, note what it discloses, why it matters to your decision, and what you need to verify with the franchisor, franchisees, or your advisers. Guided Review takes you through the filing this way, with the page cited for every answer.
Is there a tool that walks me through an FDD?
Yes. Guided Review in a Clearly Workspace takes you through the FDD Item by Item and explains what each Item says, why it matters, and what to verify.
Can I ask questions about an FDD?
Yes. In a Clearly Workspace you can ask Clara unlimited questions about that brand's FDD, in your own words, at any point during Guided Review. Each answer cites the Item and page.
How do I know what matters in an FDD?
Start with the Items that drive cost and outcomes: fees (Items 5 and 6), the initial investment (Item 7), territory (Item 12), financial performance (Item 19), and outlet history (Item 20). Guided Review explains why each Item matters as you reach it.
Does Guided Review save my progress?
Yes. Your Guided Review progress is saved between sessions. Clara's chat is not saved after you leave, but you can export it.
Is Guided Review legal advice?
No. Clara explains what the FDD says. Review the franchise agreement and your decision with a franchise attorney.
Explore franchise disclosure data in the directory:
§ Based on Franchise Disclosure Documents as filed with state franchise regulators, and on the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436). This article explains what the disclosures show; it is not legal or financial advice, and it does not evaluate any franchise offering.