Are All States M.E.D. franchisees required to abide by cross-territorial protocols?
All_States_M_E_D Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You and other franchisees may not solicit (but may accept) orders from consumers outside of your territory, including through the use of other channels of distribution, such as the Internet, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing, but you may engage in internet and social media marketing pursuant to our guidelines which such marketing may extend outside your territory. We also reserve the right to implement cross-territorial protocols and other guidelines applicable to such situations as group advertising buys by multiple franchisees which may extend into multiple territories, solicitation of orders of individuals who may reside in one territory, yet work in another, and other cross-territorial situations. You agree to abide by any such cross-territorial protocols.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 27–29)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to All States M.E.D.'s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to adhere to cross-territorial protocols established by the company. All States M.E.D. reserves the right to implement these protocols to address situations such as group advertising buys by multiple franchisees that may extend into multiple territories, solicitation of orders from individuals who may reside in one territory but work in another, and other similar cross-territorial situations.
This requirement means that All States M.E.D. franchisees must follow specific guidelines and rules set by the franchisor when their business activities potentially overlap or interact with other franchisees' territories. This could include how advertising is conducted, how orders from customers outside their territory are handled, and other operational considerations.
The FDD states that franchisees may not solicit orders from consumers outside of their territory, but they may accept them. Franchisees may also engage in internet and social media marketing pursuant to All States M.E.D.'s guidelines, even if such marketing extends outside their territory. By agreeing to abide by cross-territorial protocols, franchisees acknowledge that All States M.E.D. has the authority to manage and regulate these interactions to ensure fair competition and consistent brand representation across the franchise system.