Does a Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisee have territorial protections for commercial sales?
Batteries_Plus_Bulbs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- E. Commercial Sales Area. Franchisee may offer and sell products and services to commercial customers (other than customers under the Key Accounts Program) located inside and outside the Protected Area, only pursuant to Franchisor's then-current policy on commercial sales as described in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing ("Commercial Sales Area"). Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that there are no territorial protections for commercial sales, and that other Batteries Plus® franchisees may offer and sell products and services to commercial customers located within Franchisee's Protected Area.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 80)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Batteries Plus Bulbs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees do not receive territorial protections for commercial sales. A Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisee can offer and sell products to commercial customers both inside and outside of their protected area, following the franchisor's commercial sales policy. This policy is detailed in the Operations Manual or in writing from Batteries Plus Bulbs.
This means that other Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisees can also solicit and sell to commercial customers within a franchisee's protected area. This lack of territorial protection for commercial sales could lead to increased competition between franchisees.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review the commercial sales policy in the Operations Manual to understand the specific rules and guidelines for commercial sales activities. It would be prudent to inquire about the potential for competition with other franchisees in their area when pursuing commercial clients.