Can Augusta Lawn Care revoke approval of suppliers at any time?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
rest in, and to any and all such Allowances and authorize Augusta Lawn Care or its designee to collect and retain any or all such Allowances without restriction.
Augusta Lawn Care may, from time-to-time, revoke its approval of particular items, services, products or suppliers if Augusta Lawn Care determines, in its sole and absolute discretion. Upon receipt of notice of such revocation, You shall cease to offer, sell or use any disapproved item, products or services and You shall immediately cease to purchase from any disapproved supplier.
6. PAYMENTS BY FRANCHISEE
6.1 Initial Franchise Fee
When You sign this Agreement, You shall pay Augusta Lawn Care in cash or another form of payment that will make the funds immediately accessible to Augusta Lawn Care, such as cashier's check or wire transfer, an initial franchise fee as set forth in Exhibit A hereto (the "Initial Franchise Fee"). The Initial Franchise Fee is not refundable.
6.2 Royalties
On the 15th day of each month during the term of this Agreement, You shall pay Augusta Lawn Care a continuing royalty fee in the amount of $600 per month for year 1, and $1,600 per month thereafter.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 44–184)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Augusta Lawn Care has the authority to revoke its approval of particular suppliers at any time. This decision is based on Augusta Lawn Care's "sole and absolute discretion." If Augusta Lawn Care revokes approval of a supplier, franchisees must stop purchasing from that supplier immediately after receiving notice.
This policy gives Augusta Lawn Care significant control over the supply chain. It allows them to ensure quality and consistency across all franchise locations. However, it also means that franchisees are subject to changes in approved suppliers, which could impact their costs and operations. Franchisees need to stay informed of any changes to the approved supplier list to maintain compliance.
Augusta Lawn Care communicates changes to the approved suppliers list through the manual or other written communication, including via electronic mail. This places the onus on the franchisee to remain up-to-date on any changes. Augusta Lawn Care may also become an approved supplier or the only supplier for any item, product, good, and/or service at any time.
This level of control is not uncommon in franchising, as franchisors often seek to maintain brand standards and negotiate favorable terms with suppliers. However, prospective Augusta Lawn Care franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this policy and how it might affect their business. They should also inquire about the frequency of supplier changes and the criteria Augusta Lawn Care uses to evaluate and approve suppliers.