Is an Annex Brands franchisee currently required to use any of the e-commerce services offered by Annex Brands?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You agree to use the method and format of email communications for your Center as determined by us, including but not limited to using your Center's brand domain name in the email address.
We may, but are not required to, provide you with up to two email addresses per Center, currently included in your technology services fee, but we reserve the right to change this in the future.
If additional email addresses are provided to you, you will be charged the then-current fee for those email addresses.
You must use the email addresses we provide you for all aspects of the operation of your center, including but not limited to customer communications, print or digital marketing, advertising or promotions, on letterhead and business cards, etc.
You may not establish or use your own email addresses without our prior written consent.
The following policies apply to your electronic mail communication in your capacity as a franchisee:
- (1) Keep email messages brief and informal.
Attach any lengthy text as a separate document.
(2) Do not overload recipients with unwanted emails.
(3) Whenever you send an email to a person other than us, indicate in your email (in the signature portion or elsewhere) that your Center is an independently owned and operated business, and that your views do not necessarily reflect our policies.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 109–110)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Annex Brands Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use the email addresses provided by Annex Brands for all aspects of their center's operations. This includes customer communications, marketing, advertising, and use on letterhead and business cards. Franchisees are prohibited from using other email addresses without prior written consent from Annex Brands.
Annex Brands controls the use of its marks on the internet and franchisees must adhere to the company's policies and procedures when using email marketing programs, social media platforms, online directory listings, and other networking platforms. These policies and procedures are periodically updated and communicated in the manuals or in writing. Franchisees must also have the necessary computer hardware and software to meet the minimum requirements for e-commerce and strategic marketing initiatives.
Annex Brands may create a website for the franchisee's center, and the franchisee cannot maintain another website without prior written consent. The franchisor must approve any website or electronic advertising that uses the Annex Brands marks before publication, and any modifications must also be approved. Annex Brands retains ownership of all derivative works, modifications, design work, and programming coding related to the franchisee's web pages or website and can post a copyright notice in its name on these pages.
In the event of a franchise transfer or termination, the franchisee irrevocably appoints Annex Brands as their attorney-in-fact to manage and transfer all online assets related to the center. This includes telephone and fax numbers, internet service providers, email addresses, domain names, email marketing programs, social media platforms, and online directory listings. The franchisee must provide any assistance needed to facilitate the transfer of these items.