Who might perform the testing of samples from alternate suppliers for All Team franchisees?
All_Team Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ATFC may require that samples from other suppliers of any products to be used by FRANCHISEE be delivered to ATFC for testing prior to approval and use. A charge not to exceed the actual cost of the test may be made by ATFC or by an independent testing laboratory designated by ATFC and shall be paid by FRANCHISEE. ATFC shall advise FRANCHISEE within a reasonable period of time of its approval or disapproval of alternate sources of products, services, supplies, suppliers, materials and equipment. The foregoing shall not be construed as an attempt to unreasonably limit the sources from which FRANCHISEE may procure its products, services, supplies and materials. Rather, it is the intention of ATFC that such items conform to ATFC's strict standards and strict specifications as to consistent quality, uniformity and reliability. Further, ATFC shall not be required to approve an inordinate number of suppliers of a given item which in the reasonable judgment of ATFC would prevent effective supervision of suppliers by ATFC.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All Team's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, All Team may require franchisees to submit samples from alternate suppliers for testing before approval. These tests can be conducted either by All Team itself or by an independent testing laboratory designated by All Team. The franchisee is responsible for covering the cost of these tests, which will not exceed the actual cost of testing.
This means that if an All Team franchisee wants to use a supplier not already approved by the franchisor, they must first have the products tested to ensure they meet All Team's standards. This process ensures quality and consistency across all franchise locations, but it also adds an additional step and cost for the franchisee when seeking alternative suppliers.
The FDD states that All Team will advise the franchisee of the approval or disapproval of the alternate sources within a reasonable time frame. This is intended to prevent unreasonable limitations on where franchisees can source their products, while still maintaining quality control. All Team also states that it will not approve an excessive number of suppliers for a given item if it would prevent effective supervision of those suppliers.
As a prospective franchisee, it is important to understand the criteria All Team uses for approving suppliers and the typical costs associated with testing. It would be prudent to discuss with existing franchisees their experiences with the alternate supplier approval process and any challenges they may have faced.