Talk to people who have had experience with this promoter. Question large start-up fees. Make sure you're getting something for your money and that the price you have to pay for the product will still allow you to retail it at a profit. Ask for a copy of the franchise prospectus. California's Franchise Investment Law requires that franchisors register their offering with the Secretary of State and disclose all information about their offering in a prospectus.
Federal law requires registration of franchises offered to residents of different states.
Federal law also requires that the seller disclose the background and experience of the business's key executives, the cost of starting and maintaining the business, and the responsibilities you and the seller will have to each other once you've bought. Even if they are not required to provide the disclosures, you may want that information anyway. Determine all restrictions. Find out all limitations that will be imposed on your business operations, including what and where you must buy and sell. Franchises often involve rigid rules on sales, marketing, and quality control.