Timing
Lead times
Get a clear idea of how long each step can take, what affects timing, and which legal clocks run when you buy a franchise.
Booking sessions and review bays
Fit Finder sessions, Numbers & Notes consults, and territory playbook reviews are all booked by appointment at one of our review bays or online. In Gauteng, most appointments are held at our Sunnyrock HQ but we also host sessions in Sandton, Rosebank, Menlyn and Brooklyn. Cape Town and Durban areas use Canal Walk, Tyger Valley, V&A Waterfront or Gateway.
Lead times for these bookings depend on how full our calendar is. During busy periods, such as the build-up to the Franchise Association of South Africa’s expo or around school holidays, some venues fill up faster. If you need a specific slot, sending your request early with your preferred location helps us hold a place.
Review times for documents and plans
How long a fit check, capital review, document check or territory session takes will vary with the amount and detail in your documents. A Numbers & Notes decision pack or full franchise agreement review may need extra days for back-and-forth if your documents are incomplete or if we need follow-up from the franchisor. For a territory walk, site visits outside Gauteng will depend on travel plans and may take longer.
Reviews move faster when all documents are complete, current, and signed. Delays often come from missing attachments, unsigned disclosure documents, or franchisor responses that take longer than expected. We will let you know if you need to request copies or extra information from the franchisor.
- Fit Finder: appointment-based, 1-on-1 session
- Numbers & Notes: more detail needs more time
- Territory review: travel adds to timing
- Missing or unsigned documents cause delays
Legal timing under the Consumer Protection Act
By law, the franchisor must give you a signed and dated disclosure document at least 14 days before you sign the franchise agreement. You may use that time for your review and to raise questions with us, your attorney or your accountant.
After signing, you have a 10 business day ‘cooling-off’ period to cancel the agreement without cost or penalty. These clocks are set in law and the franchise agreement must state your cooling-off right clearly on its first page. Plan your decision-making and reviews to fit within those legal periods.
- 14-day disclosure review minimum by law
- The franchisee has 10 business days after signing the franchise agreement to cancel without cost, by giving written notice, as required by the Consumer Protection Act
- Franchise agreement must state your rights
Send us your timing questions
Share your current stage in the franchise process and the specific steps where you want help with timing. List your city and send details of any main documents you hold.