Does Beard Papas have full discretion over the marketing materials I use?
Beard_Papas Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We maintain full discretion as to the marketing standards and the marketing materials and media that you may use in the marketing and promotion of the Franchised Business (Franchise Agreement, Article 4.B.);
Local Marketing You are not authorized to engage in any marketing unless it is pre-approved by us in our discretion (Franchise Agreement, Article 9.B.).
On an on-going and monthly basis, you must spend not less than 2% of your monthly Gross Sales on the local marketing of your Shop.
We will review your local marketing programs and notify you if we approve same.
We will make available to you and provide you with access, in the form of a source document, to our approved marketing campaigns, media, and messaging that may be used by you.
In those instances where we provide you with access to our marketing campaigns, we provide you with the source designs, copy, and design specifications.
However, you will incur the direct costs associated with customizing, duplicating and using such marketing campaigns and in having them printed, distributed and/or placed with media sources. (Franchise Agreement, Article 9);
Digital Media and Website All digital media and marketing must be approved by us.
If you wish to utilize marketing materials and/or marketing mediums that are not currently approved by us in writing, you may submit a written request requesting permission and we will approve or disapprove of your request within 15 days of your submission of the written request and sample marketing materials.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 31–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beard Papas's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Beard Papas retains significant control over marketing materials and standards. Beard Papas maintains full discretion regarding the marketing standards, materials, and media that a franchisee can use to promote their franchised business. Franchisees are not allowed to engage in any marketing activities unless Beard Papas has pre-approved them.
To use marketing materials not already approved, a franchisee must submit a written request, including sample materials, for approval. Beard Papas will then approve or disapprove the request within 15 days. All digital media and marketing efforts must also receive pre-approval from Beard Papas.
Beard Papas will provide access to approved marketing campaigns, including source designs, copy, and design specifications. However, the franchisee is responsible for the costs of customizing, duplicating, printing, distributing, and placing these marketing campaigns with media sources. Franchisees must spend at least 2% of their monthly Gross Sales on local marketing, and Beard Papas will review these local marketing programs for approval.