Can Bath Tune Up change the design of its website without notifying franchisees?
Bath_Tune_Up Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.11. Franchisor's Web Site
- (a) Franchisor has established and will maintain from time to time one or more sites on the Internet that may, among other things, facilitate orders, provide information about the System and the products and services that are offered at businesses operated under the Marks, and allow end-users to locate a nearby business operated under the Marks (Franchisor's Web site). Franchisor has sole discretion and control over the design and content of Franchisor's Web site. Franchisor may, at its sole option, from time to time, without prior notice to Franchisee: (i) change, revise, or eliminate the design, content, and functionality of Franchisor's Web site, (ii) make operational changes to Franchisor's Web site, (iii) change or modify the URL and/or domain name of Franchisor's Web site, (iv) substitute, modify, or rearrange Franchisor's Web site, at Franchisor's sole option, including in any manner that Franchisor considers necessary or desirable to, among other things, (A) comply with applicable laws, (B) respond to changes in market conditions or technology, and (C) respond to any other circumstances, (v) limit or restrict end-user access (in whole or in part) to Franchisor's Web site, and (vi) disable or terminate Franchisor's Web site without any liability to Franchisee.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bath Tune Up's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bath Tune Up has the authority to modify its website without prior notification to franchisees. Specifically, Bath Tune Up retains sole discretion and control over the design and content of its website.
This means Bath Tune Up can change, revise, or eliminate the design, content, and functionality of its website at any time without informing franchisees beforehand. They can also make operational changes, modify the URL or domain name, substitute or rearrange the website, limit user access, and even disable or terminate the website without liability to franchisees. These changes can be made to comply with laws, respond to market conditions or technology, or address any other circumstances Bath Tune Up deems necessary or desirable.
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates that the appearance, functionality, and online presence of Bath Tune Up's website, which may be crucial for attracting customers and generating leads, are subject to change without their input or advance notice. While Bath Tune Up's discretion aims to keep the website current and effective, franchisees should be aware that these unilateral changes could potentially impact their business operations and online visibility. Franchisees should stay informed of any website changes and adapt their own marketing strategies accordingly.