
Send Me a Trainer
Initial Investment Range
$49,099 to $94,799
Franchise Fee
$34,999 to $44,999
Send Me a Trainer Franchising LLC offers a Franchise which provides access to home services providers, such as fitness providers, handypersons, tutors, petcare providers, home cleaners, and lawn care providers, within a defined trade area.
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Send Me a Trainer April 29, 2024 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
The franchisor’s audited financial statements show concerning trends. While profitable in 2023, revenues declined 23% and net income dropped significantly compared to 2022. Furthermore, the Members' Equity of $97,255 is very low relative to over $1 million in liabilities. This financial position may suggest a potential risk to the franchisor's ability to support its growing system, invest in the brand, and weather economic challenges, potentially impacting the support you receive.
Potential Mitigations
- A franchise accountant should thoroughly analyze the complete, multi-year financial statements, including all footnotes, to assess the company's financial health and stability.
- It is wise to ask the franchisor directly about the reasons for the 2023 revenue decline and their strategies for future financial stability.
- Your business advisor can help you evaluate whether the franchisor's financial resources are adequate to support its current and projected number of franchisees.
High Franchisee Turnover
High Risk
Explanation
Item 20 data indicates a potentially high rate of franchisee turnover. In 2022, four franchises terminated out of a starting base of 24, representing a 16.7% turnover rate for that year. Another four franchises terminated in 2023. This level of turnover could be a significant indicator of potential issues within the system, such as franchisee unprofitability, dissatisfaction with the business model, or inadequate support, which could pose a risk to your own investment success.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney can help you formulate questions to ask current and especially former franchisees listed in Exhibit C about their experiences and reasons for leaving.
- With your accountant, you should analyze the turnover data in Item 20 for all three years to understand the trends and potential systemic issues.
- A discussion with your business advisor about industry-average turnover rates could help put these numbers into a broader context.
Rapid System Growth
Medium Risk
Explanation
The franchisor has grown rapidly, from 1 unit at the start of 2021 to 54 by the end of 2023. While growth can be positive, the 2023 financial statements show a significant decline in revenue and net income. This combination of rapid expansion followed by a financial downturn could strain the franchisor's resources, potentially impacting its ability to provide the promised training, marketing, and operational support to all its franchisees, including new ones like you.
Potential Mitigations
- Asking the franchisor about how they have scaled their support infrastructure to match the rapid unit growth is a prudent step.
- It is beneficial to contact a mix of new and established franchisees from the list in Exhibit C to inquire about the current quality and responsiveness of franchisor support.
- A thorough review of the franchisor's financial statements with your accountant can help assess if they have the capital to adequately support the system.
New/Unproven Franchise System
Medium Risk
Explanation
The franchisor, Send Me a Trainer Franchising LLC, began franchising in July 2019, making it a relatively new franchise system. While its principals have been involved with an affiliated fitness company since 2007, their direct experience in managing a franchise network is limited to the last few years. Investing in a newer system carries risks such as less-established operational procedures, limited brand recognition, and a support system that may still be developing, which could impact your business's ramp-up period.
Potential Mitigations
- Thoroughly vet the management team's specific experience in franchising, not just the service industry, with the help of a business advisor.
- Engaging with the earliest franchisees on the Item 20 list can provide valuable insight into the evolution of the franchisor's support and systems.
- Your attorney may be able to negotiate more franchisee-favorable terms to offset the risks associated with an emerging brand.
Possible Fad Business
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. A fad business is one tied to a short-lived trend, which can be a significant risk as the business may fail when consumer interest wanes. Evaluating whether a business concept has long-term, sustainable demand is a critical part of due diligence before investing in any franchise.
Potential Mitigations
- A business advisor can help you conduct independent market research to assess the long-term consumer demand for the services offered.
- It is wise to evaluate the franchisor's plans for innovation and adaptation to stay relevant beyond current trends.
- Consider the business model's resilience to economic downturns and changing consumer tastes with your financial advisor.
Inexperienced Management
Medium Risk
Explanation
The franchisor's executive team has operated an affiliated business since 2007 but only began franchising this concept in 2019. This indicates significant experience in the underlying industry (in-home services) but relatively limited experience in managing a franchise system. Inexperienced franchisors can sometimes face challenges in providing adequate support, training, and strategic direction, which could affect your business's performance.
Potential Mitigations
- Speaking with a range of existing franchisees about the quality of management's support and strategic leadership is highly recommended.
- A business advisor can assist you in evaluating the specific franchising experience of the key personnel listed in Item 2.
- It is prudent to ask the franchisor directly about what outside franchise expertise or consultants they have engaged to support their growth.
Private Equity Ownership
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package, as there is no disclosure of the franchisor being owned by a private equity firm. When a PE firm owns a franchisor, there can be a risk that short-term financial returns for investors are prioritized over the long-term health of the franchisees and the brand.
Potential Mitigations
- Should you encounter this in another FDD, researching the private equity firm's track record with other franchise systems would be a prudent step for your business advisor.
- Speaking with franchisees who have been with the system before and after a PE acquisition can provide valuable insights.
- Your attorney should carefully review any clauses in the franchise agreement that pertain to the sale or assignment of the franchise system.
Non-Disclosure of Parent Company
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package. The franchisor discloses its affiliate, Bounce Fitness LLC, in Item 1. When a franchisor is a subsidiary of a parent company, failure to provide the parent's financial statements (if required) can obscure the true financial backing and stability of the franchise system. It's an important area for an accountant to review.
Potential Mitigations
- An accountant can help determine if a parent company's financials should have been included based on FTC rules, such as if the parent guarantees the franchisor's performance.
- Your attorney should investigate the corporate structure if you suspect an undisclosed parent entity controls a thinly capitalized franchisor.
- If a parent guarantee is offered, it's crucial for your attorney to review the specific terms of that guarantee.
Predecessor History Issues
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD package, as the franchisor does not appear to have any predecessors from which it acquired the business. When a franchisor has predecessors, it is important to review their history for issues like litigation, bankruptcy, or high franchisee turnover, as these could indicate historical problems with the brand or system that may still persist.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney should always carefully review Item 1 of any FDD for disclosures about predecessors.
- If a predecessor is identified, a business advisor can assist you in researching its public track record and reputation.
- Contacting long-term franchisees who operated under a predecessor can provide invaluable historical context.
Pattern of Litigation
High Risk
Explanation
Item 3 discloses a significant past regulatory action. In 2021, the franchisor entered into a Consent Order with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) for including financial audits in their FDD prepared by a CPA whose license had been revoked. This resulted in a $15,000 fine and rescission offers to two franchisees. Such a serious compliance failure in the past indicates a significant risk and raises questions about the franchisor's diligence and internal controls.
Potential Mitigations
- A franchise attorney must review the details of this Consent Order and explain its potential implications for the franchisor's current operations and compliance.
- It is important to ask the franchisor what specific changes they have made to their compliance and legal review processes since this event.
- This history should be a key factor in your overall risk assessment, to be discussed with your business advisor.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.