Rolling Bones Outdoors
Initial Investment Range
$166,469 to $260,364
Franchise Fee
$83,995 to $144,395
The franchise offered is an outdoor expedition booking agency, coupled with hunting application management, and a front-end and online retail store for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear under the Rolling Bones Outdoors name.
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Rolling Bones Outdoors February 7, 2025 FDD Risk Analysis
Free FDD Library AI Analysis Date: July 16, 2025
DISCLAIMER: Not Legal Advice - For Informational Purposes Only. Consult With Qualified Franchise Professionals.
Franchisor Stability Risks
Start HereDisclosure of Franchisor's Financial Instability
High Risk
Explanation
RBO Agency & Advisory, Inc. (RBO A&A) is a new company, formed in November 2024. Its financial statements in Item 21 consist only of an opening balance sheet showing $26,800 in cash. As a startup, it has no operating history, revenue, or record of profitability. This presents a significant risk, as its ability to support you, grow the brand, and remain financially solvent depends entirely on its future success and capitalization from selling franchises.
Potential Mitigations
- An experienced franchise accountant should review the startup financials and assess the franchisor's capitalization and business plan.
- Discuss the franchisor’s funding and long-term financial strategy for supporting the system with your financial advisor.
- Your attorney should inquire if any state regulations require the franchisor to post a bond or hold funds in escrow due to its limited financial history.
High Franchisee Turnover
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD Package. As a new franchisor, RBO A&A has no history of franchisee turnover. High turnover, indicated by a large number of terminations, non-renewals, or closures in Item 20, is a critical red flag in established systems. It often signals systemic problems, such as a lack of profitability or franchisee dissatisfaction. You should monitor this data in future FDDs if you become a franchisee.
Potential Mitigations
- For any franchise, it is crucial that your accountant analyzes the franchisee turnover tables in Item 20 for the last three years.
- A business advisor can help you calculate the annual turnover rate and compare it to industry averages for context.
- Your attorney can help you frame questions for current and former franchisees about why others may have left the system.
Rapid System Growth
Medium Risk
Explanation
As a new franchisor with no operating units, the projection in Item 20 to open six franchised outlets in the next fiscal year could represent rapid growth. For a startup with limited capital and no track record in providing franchisee support, expanding this quickly may strain its resources. This could potentially lead to challenges in delivering the promised training, site selection assistance, and ongoing operational support to all new locations effectively.
Potential Mitigations
- In discussions with the franchisor, your business advisor can help you probe their specific plans for scaling support infrastructure to match this projected growth.
- Your accountant should assess if the franchisor's current capitalization, as shown in Item 21, appears adequate to support these new units.
- It is advisable to ask your attorney about protections if the franchisor fails to provide adequate support due to overexpansion.
New/Unproven Franchise System
High Risk
Explanation
RBO A&A is a new franchisor, established in late 2024, and has no existing franchisees as of the FDD issuance date. Investing in a new, unproven system carries higher risk. The business model, operational systems, and support structure have not been tested in a franchise environment. Your success is dependent on the franchisor's ability to successfully build the brand and support its first franchisees without a track record of doing so.
Potential Mitigations
- A business advisor can help you conduct extensive due diligence on the viability of the business model itself, independent of the franchise structure.
- Thoroughly vet the management team's prior experience in both this specific industry and in franchising with your attorney.
- An accountant should help you develop conservative financial projections, given the lack of historical franchisee performance data.
Possible Fad Business
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD Package. The business model, focused on outdoor expedition booking and retail, exists within the established outdoor recreation industry. While it has a niche focus, it does not appear to be based on a short-term trend or fad. A fad business carries the risk that consumer interest could decline, leaving you with a long-term contract for a business with dwindling demand.
Potential Mitigations
- To assess the long-term viability of any franchise concept, engaging a business advisor to research market trends and consumer demand is wise.
- Your accountant can help you evaluate the business model's resilience to economic shifts and its potential for sustained profitability.
- Before investing, your attorney can review the franchise agreement to understand your obligations if the business becomes unviable.
Inexperienced Management
Medium Risk
Explanation
While the management team has over a decade of experience operating the affiliated business concept, RBO Agency & Advisory, Inc. itself is a new franchising entity. The skills required to operate a business are different from those needed to successfully manage a franchise system and support franchisees. However, some executives do have prior experience as franchisees of other systems, which may provide some relevant insight.
Potential Mitigations
- A business advisor can help you assess whether the management team's skills translate well to the specific demands of running a franchise system.
- During discussions with the franchisor, inquire about their specific strategies for franchisee support, training, and system growth.
- Your attorney can help you understand the support obligations outlined in the Franchise Agreement.
Private Equity Ownership
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD Package. Item 1 does not indicate that the franchisor is owned by a private equity firm. When a PE firm owns a franchisor, there can be a risk that its focus on short-term returns may lead to decisions, such as cutting support or increasing fees, that are not aligned with the long-term health of franchisees. This is not a disclosed concern for this franchise system.
Potential Mitigations
- For any franchise, it's beneficial to have your attorney investigate the ownership structure described in Item 1.
- If a franchisor is PE-owned, a business advisor can help you research the firm's history with other franchise brands.
- Your accountant can analyze the financial statements for signs of strategies that prioritize short-term cash extraction over system investment.
Non-Disclosure of Parent Company
High Risk
Explanation
Your franchise relies heavily on affiliates for critical components: RADSLLC for mandatory software, BRC for products, and RBO for the business concept and brand licensing. RBO A&A is a new entity with minimal assets. However, the FDD does not include the financial statements of these critical affiliates. This creates a significant risk, as you cannot fully assess the financial stability of the entities that provide the core technology, products, and intellectual property your business will depend upon.
Potential Mitigations
- It is critical to have your attorney and accountant discuss this structural risk and the lack of affiliate financial data.
- Ask the franchisor why affiliate financials are not included and if they will be provided for your review; your attorney can formalize this request.
- A business advisor can help you assess the operational risks of being dependent on multiple, related entities whose financial health is unknown.
Predecessor History Issues
Medium Risk
Explanation
The FDD states RBO A&A has no predecessors but also discloses that an affiliate, Rolling Bones Outfitters, Inc. (RBO), is the company that first developed the business concept. Functionally, RBO acts as a predecessor, as it provides the operational history and experience upon which the new franchise is based. The failure to formally classify RBO as a predecessor may limit the historical information disclosed about the system's origins, such as its past financial performance or legal history.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney should review the disclosures about affiliates in Item 1 and discuss the potential implications of not formally naming RBO as a predecessor.
- A business advisor can help you conduct independent research into the history and reputation of Rolling Bones Outfitters, Inc.
- During due diligence calls, ask the franchisor for details about RBO's operational and financial history.
Pattern of Litigation
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD Package. Item 3 discloses no litigation history against the franchisor, its management, or predecessors. A pattern of lawsuits, particularly franchisee-initiated claims of fraud or misrepresentation, can be a major red flag indicating systemic problems. Similarly, an excessive number of lawsuits filed by the franchisor against franchisees might suggest an overly aggressive or litigious culture. No such patterns are disclosed here.
Potential Mitigations
- For any franchise investment, it is critical that your attorney thoroughly reviews the litigation disclosures in Item 3.
- A business advisor can help you understand the context of any disclosed litigation by speaking with current and former franchisees.
- Your attorney can also conduct independent searches for litigation that may not have been required to be disclosed in the FDD.
Disclosure & Representation Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Financial & Fee Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Legal & Contract Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
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Territory & Competition Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Regulatory & Compliance Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Franchisor Support Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Operational Control Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Term & Exit Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Miscellaneous Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
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