This Privacy Policy explains how Franchise Cost handles information when you visit franchise-cost.com, use a tool, contact us or interact with advertising that may be enabled on the site. The site is designed to provide research without requiring a public user account.
Who operates this website
The website is Franchise Cost. Editorial contact is available at [email protected]. The named author is Aylin Lübker Toy and the site design and technical system are maintained by Arus.
Information collected automatically
Like most websites, the web server may create technical logs when a page is requested. Logs can contain an IP address, request time, requested URL, response status, referrer, browser or user-agent string and similar security or diagnostic information. These records are used to operate the service, investigate errors, prevent abuse and understand whether the server is functioning correctly.
We do not use server logs to build a public profile of individual readers. Retention depends on the hosting environment, security requirements and applicable law. Access should be limited to people who need the data to operate or secure the site.
Information you choose to send
If you email us, we receive the information contained in your message, including your email address and any attachments you provide. We use that information to answer the request, investigate a correction, handle a privacy question or maintain an appropriate record of the conversation. Do not send sensitive information that is not necessary for your request.
Calculator and form data
The public franchise cost calculator is intended to perform planning calculations in the browser. It does not require a reader to create an account. Unless a feature clearly says otherwise, numbers entered into the public calculator are not intentionally submitted to Franchise Cost as a saved personal profile.
Cookies and local browser storage
The core public site can operate without a reader account. The administrative area uses security mechanisms required for authorised site management. Third-party services, especially advertising services if enabled, may use cookies or similar technologies according to their own policies and applicable consent requirements.
Google AdSense and advertising
The website may use Google AdSense after an approved publisher account and ad settings are configured. Google and its advertising partners may use cookies, device information or other signals to deliver, measure and protect advertising. Depending on the visitor's location, consent or privacy controls may be required before personalised advertising technologies are used. Google's own privacy and advertising documentation explains how Google processes information in its advertising products.
We do not activate an advertising publisher identifier in the software until a real account is configured. If advertising is enabled, it remains separate from the editorial process described on the About and Editorial Methodology pages.
Analytics
The current site architecture does not require an external analytics script to display pages. If analytics is added later, this policy should be updated to identify the provider, purpose and relevant privacy choices before or when the service is introduced.
Legal bases and regional privacy rights
Privacy rights vary by country. Where the UK GDPR, EU GDPR or similar law applies, processing may rely on grounds such as legitimate interests in operating and securing the website, responding to a request, compliance with a legal obligation or consent where consent is required. Depending on applicable law, a visitor may have rights to request access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection or portability of personal data.
A request can be sent to [email protected]. We may need enough information to understand and verify the request. We will not ask for unnecessary identity information when a less intrusive method is sufficient.
Data sharing
Information may be processed by service providers that are necessary to host, secure, deliver or maintain the website. If advertising is enabled, advertising providers may also process information under their own terms and privacy notices. We do not sell a contact email simply because a reader sent us a correction or question.
International processing
Internet infrastructure and service providers can process data in more than one country. Where law requires safeguards for international transfers, the relevant service provider is responsible for the transfer mechanisms it offers and we aim to select services that provide appropriate contractual and security protections.
Children
Franchise Cost is a business and investment information website intended for people researching commercial opportunities. It is not designed as a service directed to children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information inappropriately, contact us so the issue can be reviewed.
Security
Reasonable technical measures are used to reduce unauthorised access, including restricted administrative routes, password hashing, session protections and controls around uploaded files. No internet system can guarantee absolute security, so readers should avoid sending unnecessary confidential information by email.
External links
Our guides link to franchisors, government agencies, regulators, associations and other sources. Once you leave this website, the destination site controls its own privacy practices. Review the destination's privacy notice if you submit information there.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated when the site's technology, advertising configuration or legal obligations change. The page's updated date in the site data records the current version. Material changes should be reflected in the wording rather than hidden behind an old policy.
Contact
Privacy questions can be sent to [email protected].