Obtain the current franchise disclosure document and a location-specific proposal before budgeting. This article does not quote verified current Tommy’s Express fees, investment ranges or financial performance.
Establish the actual opportunity
Clarify whether you are evaluating a new development, acquisition of an operating franchise or another arrangement. Identify the contracting entity, approved location and what the proposal includes. Brand recognition does not establish that the site or transfer is approved.
Use the FTC's franchise guide to organize disclosure review with qualified counsel. Request the applicable current documents and updates through authorized channels. Do not treat an old online range or a broker's memory as the current terms.
Build a complete investment schedule
Review the document's fee and investment disclosures with the actual site budget. Include property, design, construction, equipment, utilities, training, opening expenses and retained working capital where applicable. Ask which quoted items are excluded and which depend on later design or approval.
For an operating acquisition, include repair, transfer and contract obligations from the actual file. A new-build budget is not automatically the correct budget for an existing wash, and a franchisor estimate is not the same as a fixed installed contractor price.
Assess continuing obligations and performance information
Review royalties, advertising, technology, required purchasing, upgrades, operating involvement, territory and transfer terms with counsel. Obtain current proposals rather than assume present product features. Evaluate the cost of complying with the agreement over your ownership horizon.
If financial performance is disclosed, assess its scope, assumptions and relevance with your accountant using the FTC framework. Gross sales, corporate operations and results in a different market cannot be treated as your expected net earnings.
Test the location and funding separately
Have qualified providers assess site feasibility, utilities, discharge, equipment and approvals. Obtain lender feedback for the borrower and project. Compare an independent alternative using the same property and staffing scope rather than declare either model universally better.
Book a call with Jason to discuss acquisition versus development and the records needed. Franchise legal review, current brand terms and location approvals remain with the appropriate parties; no brand relationship or listing is implied here.
Your decision worksheet
Use these questions to identify the records and decisions that matter to this topic. Bring the open items to your conversation; detailed documents can follow through an agreed private process.
| Question to resolve | Evidence to bring | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Which document and proposal apply? | Current disclosure and opportunity-specific package. | Avoid treating an old online investment range as present terms. |
| What is excluded from the budget? | Site, equipment, construction and opening quotes. | Build complete uses of funds beyond a headline franchise figure. |
| Which ongoing obligations matter? | Counsel review of fees, operating and transfer terms. | Evaluate the entire ownership horizon and permitted exit. |
| What earnings evidence is relevant? | Applicable disclosure, substantiation and accountant review. | Do not substitute brand recognition for local net cash evidence. |
Sources & evidence
- FTC: evaluating a franchise
Disclosure, investment and earnings-representation review; not current brand pricing. - SBA: 7(a) acquisition financing
Program uses and lender-led eligibility; not an approval or equity quote. - SBA: buying an existing business or franchise
Acquisition preparation and differences between independent and franchised businesses.
Links checked for this editorial pass on October 14, 2026. General reference material does not establish a site’s revenue, value or eligibility. Examples are illustrative where labeled.
Continue your preparation
- Illinois car wash due diligence: an evidence checklist
- Funding readiness for an Illinois car wash purchase
- A car wash letter of intent: clarify the deal before diligence
Explore an earnings and cash-flow scenario, then book a call to review your questions.
Discuss your next step
Share your wash format, county and whether you’re buying or selling. Detailed business records can follow through an agreed private process.
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