Glassdoor for franchises: real owner-reported costs and returns

Steal This Idea #3: Glassdoor for franchises. Every year, thousands of people sign franchise agreements worth more than a house — and most sign nearly blind. The franchisor’s numbers are public by law: the FDD lists the fees, the startup costs, and sometimes earnings claims (Item 19). What’s missing is the owners’ side — real rent, real royalties paid, real take-home, real regret. The ugly first version: a spreadsheet and 20 interviewed franchisees in ONE category — fitness or home services. Charge the report to people days away from signing. Who pays: buyers about to make a six-figure commitment. A few hundred dollars for the truth is the cheapest line in the deal. Why now: franchise buyers search "is it worth it" before they sign, and almost everything they find was written by the seller. FDDs tell you the franchisor’s version. Nobody owns the franchisees’ version. Who’s building this?