What information will All County disclose to a proposed supplier during the evaluation process?
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 proposes a new supplier, All County will disclose certain information to that supplier during the evaluation process. Specifically, All County will disclose applicable standards, specifications, processes, and procedures for the item the supplier would provide. This information will be detailed enough to allow the proposed supplier to demonstrate their capacity and capabilities to meet All County's requirements. However, these disclosures are subject to reasonable restrictions and conditions designed to protect All County's trade secrets and confidential information.
This process is important for franchisees because it allows them to potentially source goods or services from suppliers beyond those initially approved by All County. The FDD states that it can take up to 90 days to evaluate new vendors or suppliers. Franchisees must first notify All County in writing and submit sufficient information, specifications, and samples concerning the brand and/or supplier for All County to make a decision. All County retains the right to approve or disapprove any supplier, or to approve a supplier conditionally, but approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
Within 90 days of receiving all the necessary information, All County will communicate its decision in writing to the franchisee. This timeline gives All County ample time to assess the supplier's suitability and ensure they meet the brand's standards. The franchisee bears the responsibility of gathering and submitting all required information to facilitate this evaluation. This process ensures that All County maintains consistent quality and standards across all franchise locations while allowing franchisees some flexibility in sourcing.
It is worth noting that All County may also seek reimbursement from the franchisee or the approved supplier for the reasonable costs and expenses incurred during the approval process and ongoing monitoring of the supplier's compliance. This cost recovery measure is not uncommon in franchising, as franchisors invest resources to ensure supplier quality and consistency. Franchisees should factor in these potential costs when proposing new suppliers.