My recently acquired son-in-law, a 28-year-old VAG mechanic, is seriously considering leaving his VAG Main Dealer employer to take over a Snap-on Tools franchise. It is seemingly an established round: garages and factories, etc. and the current franchisee is apparently being promoted within the organisation. It requires a payment of £5,000, coming from guess who? This payment, it seems, is not a fee, he’s told, but covers the cost of stock and the goodwill of the established round. Although being a complete layman on anything mechanical, I have heard of this Company and its products. I am desperately concerned, however, that both he and my daughter may be entering into a risky venture, and if it is not legitimate they could end up losing everything. I think that the deadline for making the decision is fast approaching. I would be extremely grateful for any knowledge, experience, advice, warnings, reassurances etc. that you could give, as naturally both my wife and I care deeply for them.