Does Augusta Lawn Care have sole discretion in modifying the items a franchisee must offer?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 23: RECEIPTS]
7.2.3 Required Products and Services
You must offer all of the products and services we designate. We have the right to modify these items from time-to-time, at our sole discretion. You may not offer or sell any other product or service without our prior written consent. You must use the proprietary and nonproprietary techniques, materials and supplies we designate in the Manual. You must provide all services (including Proprietary Services) in accordance with the standards and specifications set forth in the Manual. You must, at all times, maintain sufficient staff, materials and supplies to meet reasonably anticipated customer demand.
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 sole discretion to modify the products and services that franchisees must offer. The FDD states that franchisees must offer all products and services that Augusta Lawn Care designates and that Augusta Lawn Care has the right to modify these items from time to time, at its sole discretion. Franchisees are prohibited from offering or selling any other product or service without prior written consent from Augusta Lawn Care.
This means that as an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee, you must adhere to the products and services mandated by the franchisor. Augusta Lawn Care can change these offerings at any time, and you must comply with these changes. This could involve adding new services, discontinuing existing ones, or altering the way services are provided.
The franchisor also maintains control over suppliers, potentially requiring franchisees to purchase items from approved or designated suppliers, which may include Augusta Lawn Care itself. This control extends to the techniques, materials, and supplies used in providing services, all of which must align with the standards set forth in the Manual. These stipulations ensure uniformity across all Augusta Lawn Care franchises but also limit the franchisee's autonomy in choosing products and services.