Can an Annex Brands franchisee customize their web pages or create a custom website?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| We may maintain a corporate website on the Internet to market and promote our franchise system, and products and services marketed by us and our franchisees. If we maintain a corporate website, we may provide you with standard web pages on our website for the purpose of promoting your retail center (included in the technology services fee). You also may request to customize portions of your web pages or create a custom website, with our written approval and for a fee, or may purchase e-commerce services with our approval and for a fee. You may not establish your own website without our prior written consent. (The terms "Franchisor's prior written consent" and "our prior written consent," as used in this disclosure document and the franchise agreement and its attachments, mean consent that we give based on then-current circumstances, but that may be withdrawn by us, if we later determine in our sole discretion that circumstances have changed, effective upon giving you 30 days' prior written notice of withdrawal.) If we provide email addresses for your retail center, you may use up to 2 email addresses per retail center (included in the technology services fee). There will be a $7 charge per week for each additional email address. This fee is subject to change on at least 15 days' written notice to you. You must use the email addresses we provide you for all aspects of the operation of your center, including in customer communications, in 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 consen
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 45–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Annex Brands franchisees may have some options for customizing their web presence, but these are subject to restrictions and approval. Annex Brands may provide franchisees with standard web pages on the corporate website as part of the technology services fee. Franchisees can request to customize portions of these web pages or create an entirely custom website. However, this requires written approval from Annex Brands and may involve additional fees.
Annex Brands maintains control over the online presence of its franchisees to ensure brand consistency and compliance with system standards. Franchisees are not allowed to establish their own websites without prior written consent from Annex Brands. This consent can be withdrawn if Annex Brands determines that circumstances have changed, with 30 days' written notice.
Annex Brands also establishes a brand presence through email marketing programs, social media platforms, and online directory listings. Franchisees are prohibited from using these platforms to promote their retail center or use Annex Brands' trademarks without prior written consent. The FDD specifies that Annex Brands has the right to change, transfer, or terminate any online identities that use their trademarks if the franchise expires or is terminated. This ensures that Annex Brands maintains control over its brand identity and online representation.