What are the consequences if an All Dogs Unleashed franchisee purchases items from unapproved sources?
All_Dogs_Unleashed Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
6.5. Purchases from Designated Sources.
- 6.5.1. You shall purchase only from approved or designated all products and services necessary to construct and operate the Franchised Business, including, but not limited to, (a) fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, items of decor, audio/visual system, (b) proprietary and non-proprietary products, (c) uniforms, shirts, and all merchandise and items intended for retail sale (whether or not bearing our Marks), (d) advertising, point-of-purchase materials, and other printed promotional materials, (e) gift certificates and stored value cards, (f) stationery, business cards, contracts, and forms, (g) bags, packaging, and supplies bearing our Marks, (h) insurance coverage, (i) architectural services, and (j) accounting and bookkeeping services. You may purchase items and services for which Franchisor has not identified Approved Suppliers from any supplier, so long as the items and services meet Franchisor's specifications. These specifications may include brand requirements. Franchisor may from time to time modify the list of Approved Suppliers and brand requirements, and you shall comply with all modified supplier requirements and restrictions.
- 6.5.2. If you propose to purchase from an unapproved source and items or service for which Franchisor has identified Approved Supplier(s), you shall submit to Franchisor a written request for approval, or shall request the supplier to submit a written request on its own behalf. Franchisor has the right to require, as a condition of its approval, that its representatives be permitted to inspect the supplier's facilities, and that such information, specifications, and samples as Franchisor reasonably requires be delivered to Franchisor and/or to an independent, certified laboratory designated by Franchisor for testing prior to granting approval. Franchisor has the right to charge a fee for such testing, in an amount designated
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 49–158)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Dogs Unleashed's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase all products and services necessary to construct and operate their franchised business from approved or designated sources. These products and services include fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, decor, audio/visual systems, proprietary and non-proprietary products, uniforms, merchandise, advertising, promotional materials, gift certificates, stationery, business cards, contracts, forms, bags, packaging, supplies bearing All Dogs Unleashed's marks, insurance coverage, architectural services, and accounting and bookkeeping services. However, franchisees may purchase items and services for which All Dogs Unleashed has not identified approved suppliers from any supplier, as long as the items and services meet All Dogs Unleashed's specifications, which may include brand requirements. All Dogs Unleashed may modify the list of approved suppliers and brand requirements from time to time, and franchisees must comply with all modified supplier requirements and restrictions.
If an All Dogs Unleashed franchisee proposes to purchase items or services from an unapproved source for which All Dogs Unleashed has identified approved suppliers, the franchisee must submit a written request for approval to All Dogs Unleashed, or the supplier can submit a written request on its own behalf. As a condition of approval, All Dogs Unleashed has the right to require that its representatives be permitted to inspect the supplier's facilities and that the supplier deliver information, specifications, and samples to All Dogs Unleashed or to an independent, certified laboratory designated by All Dogs Unleashed for testing before granting approval. All Dogs Unleashed has the right to charge a fee for such testing, in an amount designated by All Dogs Unleashed.
While the excerpt describes the process for requesting approval of unapproved suppliers, it does not explicitly state the consequences of purchasing from unapproved sources without following this process. A prospective All Dogs Unleashed franchisee should seek clarification from the franchisor regarding the specific penalties or repercussions for non-compliance with the approved supplier policy, as this could have significant implications for their business operations and financial stability.