The Dirty Dozen?

Akron Beacon Journal:

If you’re thinking about buying a franchise, here are 12 provisions you should NOT agree to, according to the American Franchisee Association:

* Gag rules: A franchisee may not discuss any aspect of their franchise experience with anyone outside the system.

* Litigation venue: Franchise disputes must be litigated in the home state of the franchisor.

* No reciprocal cure period: Franchisor gets up to 90 days to correct any alleged defaults while franchisee gets no time to fix wrongs.

* Non-competition covenants: There are time and geographic restrictions if a franchisee leaves the system to open a competing business, but the franchisor is allowed to place competing units anywhere, anytime.

* Sole sourcing requirements: Franchisees must purchase products solely from the franchisor or from suppliers designated by the franchisor, with no allowance for alternative sources.

* Kickbacks: The franchisor may accept commissions for giving exclusive deals to vendors and requiring the franchisee to use those vendors.

Check the other 6 provisions here.