For a Bee Organized franchise purchased in Washington, where will arbitration or mediation take place?
Bee_Organized Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–218)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bee Organized's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a Bee Organized franchise in Washington, the location for arbitration or mediation will be determined as follows. The site will be in the state of Washington, or in a location mutually agreed upon during the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This amendment to the franchise agreement is specific to franchisees in Washington, recognizing the state's Franchise Investment Protection Act. It ensures that franchisees are not forced to arbitrate or mediate disputes in a location that is unduly burdensome. This provides a level of protection to the franchisee, allowing for a more accessible and fair resolution process.
Furthermore, the FDD states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.