1. "Administrator" means the commissioner of insurance or the deputy appointed under section 502.601.
2. "Advertising" means a circular, prospectus, advertisement, or other material, or a communication by radio, television, pictures, or similar means used in connection with an offer or sale of a business opportunity.
3. "Business opportunity" means a contract or agreement, between a seller and purchaser, express or implied, orally or in writing, at an initial investment exceeding five hundred dollars, where the parties agree that the seller or a person recommended by the seller is to provide to the purchaser any products, equipment, supplies, materials, or services for the purpose of enabling the purchaser to start a business, and the seller represents, directly or indirectly, orally or in writing, any of the following:
a. The seller or a person recommended by the seller will provide locations or assist the purchaser in finding locations for the use or operation of vending machines, racks, display cases, or other similar devices, on premises which are not owned or leased by the purchaser or seller.
b. The seller or a person recommended by the seller will provide or assist the purchaser in finding outlets or accounts for the purchaser's products or services.
c. The seller or a person specified by the seller will purchase any or all products made, produced, fabricated, grown, bred, or modified by the purchaser.
d. The purchaser will derive income from the business which exceeds the price paid to the seller.
e. The seller will refund all or part of the price paid to the seller, or repurchase any of the products, equipment, or supplies provided by the seller or a person recommended by the seller, if the purchaser is dissatisfied with the business.
f. The seller will provide a marketing plan.
4. "Franchise" means a contract or agreement between a seller and a purchaser, express or implied, orally or in writing, where the parties agree to both of the following:
(a) A franchisee is granted the right to engage in the business of offering, selling, or distributing goods or services under a marketing plan prescribed in substantial part by a franchisor.
(b) The operation of the franchisee's business pursuant to such a plan is substantially associated with the franchisor's business and trademark, service mark, trade name, logotype, advertising, or other commercial symbol designating the franchisor or its affiliate.
For the purposes of this subsection, "franchisee" means a person to whom a franchise is granted and "franchisor" means a person who grants a franchise.
5. "Initial investment" means the total amount a purchaser is obligated to pay under the terms of the business opportunity contract either prior to or at the time of the delivery of the merchandise or services or within six months of the purchaser commencing operation of the business opportunity. However, if payment is over a period of time, "initial investment" means the sum of the down payment and the total monthly payments specified in the contract.
6. "Marketing plan" means advice or training, provided to the purchaser by the seller or a person recommended by the seller, pertaining to the sale of any products, equipment, supplies, or services. The advice or training may include, but is not limited to, preparing or providing any of the following:
a. Promotional literature, brochures, pamphlets, or advertising materials.
b. Training regarding the promotion, operation, or management of the business opportunity.
c. Operational, managerial, technical, or financial guidelines or assistance.
7. "Offer" or "offer to sell" means an attempt to dispose of a business opportunity for value, or solicitation of an offer to purchase a business opportunity.
8. "Ongoing business" means an existing business that for at least six months prior to the offer, has been operated from a specific location, has been open for business to the general public, and has substantially all of the equipment and supplies necessary for operating the business.
9. "Person" means an individual, corporation, trust, partnership, incorporated or unincorporated association, or any other legal entity, provided, however, person does not include a government or governmental subdivision or agency.
10. "Purchaser" means a person who enters into a contract or agreement for the acquisition of a business opportunity or a person to whom an offer to sell a business opportunity is directed.
11. "Sale" or "sell" includes every contract or agreement of sale, contract to sell, or disposition of, a business opportunity or interest in a business opportunity for value.
12. "Seller" means a person who sells or offers to sell a business opportunity or an agent or other person who directly or indirectly acts on behalf of such a person. "Seller" does not include the media in or by which an advertisement appears or is disseminated.
[81 Acts, ch 171, § 1]
91 Acts, ch 205, §1; 98 Acts, ch 1189, §11
Referred to in § 523B.3
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