May Batteries Plus Bulbs loan money to the National Marketing Fund?

According to the 2025 Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise Disclosure Document, Batteries Plus Bulbs may loan money to the National Marketing Fund (NMF). Specifically, Batteries Plus Bulbs can make loans to the NMF bearing reasonable interest to cover any deficit of the NMF Fund. Batteries Plus Bulbs can also cause the NMF Fund to invest in a surplus for future use by the NMF Fund.

This indicates that Batteries Plus Bulbs has the discretion to manage the NMF Fund's finances, including providing loans to cover deficits and investing surpluses. This could be beneficial for franchisees as it ensures the NMF Fund can continue to operate effectively even during periods of financial shortfall. The loans are expected to bear reasonable interest, which suggests that the fund will be managed in a financially responsible manner.

Franchisees should be aware that Batteries Plus Bulbs is not required to spend any particular amount on marketing in the area where their store is located. While the NMF Council, consisting of elected franchisees, advises on advertising and promotional activities, Batteries Plus Bulbs ultimately determines how the NMF Fund monies are used. Franchisees can request an annual unaudited statement of the NMF Fund's receipts and disbursements to stay informed about the fund's financial activities.