Who is prohibited from conducting commerce online without express permission from Apricot Lane?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Neither you, nor any of your owners, signatories, guarantors or individuals who attended training or signed a confidentiality agreement, may conduct commerce or directly or indirectly offer or sell any products or services using any website, another electronic means or medium, or otherwise over the Internet or in any other manner without express permission from us in writing. Any social media that you engage in must be in accordance with our standards that we specify from time to time.
We have the right to maintain websites other than the System Website and to offer and sell products and services under the Marks from the System Website, another website or otherwise over the Internet without payment or obligation of any kind to you.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees, their owners, signatories, guarantors, and individuals who attended training or signed a confidentiality agreement are all prohibited from conducting commerce online without express written permission from Apricot Lane. This restriction includes directly or indirectly offering or selling any products or services using any website, other electronic means or medium, or otherwise over the Internet.
This policy ensures that Apricot Lane maintains control over its brand and online presence. It prevents franchisees or related parties from engaging in online sales activities that could potentially undermine the brand's image, pricing strategies, or overall marketing efforts. The franchisor retains the right to conduct online sales themselves without any obligation to the franchisees.
For a prospective franchisee, this means they cannot independently establish an online store or sell Apricot Lane products through other online platforms without explicit approval. Any social media activity related to the franchise must also adhere to Apricot Lane's standards. Franchisees need to be aware that Apricot Lane has the right to maintain its own websites and sell products online without any obligation to share revenue with franchisees.
This type of restriction is common in franchising, as franchisors seek to maintain a consistent brand image and control over distribution channels. However, it's crucial for potential franchisees to understand the extent of these limitations and how they might impact their ability to generate revenue through online sales. Franchisees should discuss with Apricot Lane what opportunities may exist for online sales and what the requirements are for obtaining permission to engage in such activities.