Where does mediation and arbitration take place for Basecamp Fitness disputes?
Basecamp_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- The Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement require binding arbitration. The arbitration will occur at the office of the American Arbitration Association located nearest Basecamp Fitness Franchisor LLC's principal offices (currently, Woodbury, Minnesota). You will bear all costs of arbitration if we secure any relief against you in the arbitration, or are successful in defending a claim you bring against us in the arbitration. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to consult private legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws (such as Business and Professions Code Section 20040.5, Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281, and the Federal Arbitration Act) to any provisions of a franchise agreement restricting venue to a forum outside the State of California.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 51–55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Basecamp Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the location for arbitration is generally at the American Arbitration Association office nearest to Basecamp Fitness Franchisor LLC's principal offices, which are currently in Woodbury, Minnesota. This applies unless you are a resident of Illinois, in which case a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration to take place outside of Illinois, but any provision designating jurisdiction and venue outside of Illinois is void.
For California franchisees, the Area Development Agreement specifies that arbitration will occur at the American Arbitration Association in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, the FDD also advises prospective franchisees to seek legal counsel to determine the applicability of California and federal laws regarding venue restrictions to a forum outside of California.
It is important to note that these stipulations may be superseded by state-specific laws, particularly in states like California, Illinois, and Maryland, where addenda to the Area Development Agreement address specific legal rights and limitations regarding dispute resolution. Franchisees are encouraged to consult with legal counsel to understand how these provisions apply to their specific circumstances and location.