What is the All County franchisee's responsibility regarding information, specifications, and samples when proposing a new supplier?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you propose to use any brand and/or supplier that is not then approved by us, then you must first notify us in writing. You must submit sufficient information, specifications and samples concerning the brand and/or supplier so that we can decide whether the brand complies with our specifications and standards and/or such supplier meets our approved supplier criteria. In evaluating any supplier you propose, we will, subject to reasonable restrictions and conditions to protect our trade secrets and confidential information, disclose to the proposed supplier applicable standards, specifications, processes, and procedures for the item in sufficient detail to enable the proposed supplier to demonstrate fully its capacity and capabilities to supply the items. Within 90 days after we receive all requested information, we will communicate to you in writing our decision to approve or disapprove your proposed supplier.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 16–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to use a brand or supplier not already approved by All County, they must first notify All County in writing. The franchisee is responsible for providing sufficient information, specifications, and samples related to the brand or supplier. This allows All County to assess whether the brand meets their standards and specifications, and whether the supplier meets All County's approved supplier criteria. All County may conditionally approve a supplier, but approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
All County will evaluate the proposed supplier based on price, service, quality, and other commercially reasonable benchmarks. To aid the proposed supplier in demonstrating their capabilities, All County will disclose applicable standards, specifications, processes, and procedures, while protecting their trade secrets and confidential information. All County has up to 90 days to evaluate new vendors or suppliers.
Within 90 days of receiving all the necessary information from the franchisee, All County will communicate its decision in writing, either approving or disapproving the proposed supplier. All County does not act as an agent, representative, or in any fiduciary capacity for the franchisee in its relationship with an alternative supplier. All County may also seek reimbursement for reasonable costs and expenses incurred during the approval process and ongoing monitoring of the supplier's compliance with requirements.