Introduction Do you know what your rights as a small business operator arewhen buying, extending or renewing a franchise? If you are thinking about buying, extending or renewing a franchise,you will be making significant commercial decisions. To make theright decisions you will need information about the franchisor andits operations that might affect the commercial viability of yourfranchise. The Franchising Code of Conduct, which has the force of law, helpsyou to make more informed decisions by requiring franchisors todisclose specific information and to follow rules in their dealingswith you. Reading this booklet will tell you: ❑ whether the code will apply to you ❑ when the code will apply ❑ what information you are entitled to ❑ that the code provides for a cooling off period during which you can withdraw from an agreement ❑ that franchisees are free to associate with other franchisees ❑ your rights and obligations when seeking to transfer a franchise ❑ your rights and obligations when a franchisor wishes to terminate a franchise ❑ what to do when things go wrong ❑ how to contact the Office of Mediation Adviser ❑ how to contact the Federal Government’s Office of Small Business ❑ how to contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission