Who bears the cost of complying with changes to 360 Painting's image or standards?
360_Painting Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor may update and change the Brand Standards Manual periodically to reflect changes in the System and the operating requirements applicable to 360 Painting Businesses, and Franchisee expressly agrees to comply with each requirement within such reasonable time as Franchisor may require, or if no time is specified, within 30 days after receiving notification of the requirement. The cost of implementing changes, updates or modifications to the System as called for in the Brand Standards Manual shall be borne exclusively by Franchisee regardless of the financial or other impact on Franchisee or the Business. Franchisee shall at all times ensure that its copy of the Brand Standards Manual and any other confidential materials supplied by Franchisor to Franchisee are kept current and up to date. Franchisee must keep any printed Brand Standards Manual in a secure location at the Business, and must restrict employee access to the Brand Standards Manual on a need to know basis, and take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or copying of any information in any printed or computerized Brand Standards Manual. If Franchisor and Franchisee have any disagreement about the most current contents of the Brand Standards Manual, Franchisor's master copy of the Brand Standards Manual will control. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, Franchisee must return all copies of the Brand Standards Manual to Franchisor, and upon Franchisor's request, certify to Franchisor that Franchisee has not kept any copies in any medium. The Brand Standards Manual is confidential, copyrighted and Franchisor's exclusive property.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to 360 Painting's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with implementing any changes, updates, or modifications to the 360 Painting system as outlined in the Brand Standards Manual. This responsibility falls solely on the franchisee, regardless of any financial or other impact it may have on their business.
This means that if 360 Painting decides to update its brand standards, whether it involves new equipment, updated signage, or changes to operational procedures, the franchisee must bear the financial burden of implementing these changes. This could potentially involve significant expenses, depending on the nature and extent of the modifications.
Franchisees must also ensure they keep their copy of the Brand Standards Manual current and up to date. They must also keep any printed Brand Standards Manual in a secure location at the Business, and must restrict employee access to the Brand Standards Manual on a need to know basis, and take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized disclosure or copying of any information in any printed or computerized Brand Standards Manual. In case of disagreement about the manual's contents, 360 Painting's master copy will prevail. Upon termination of the franchise agreement, the franchisee must return all copies of the Brand Standards Manual to 360 Painting and certify that no copies have been retained.