According to the Belocal agreement, can notices be delivered personally?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any and all notices required or permitted under this Agreement will be in writing and will be personally delivered or mailed by expedited delivery service or certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, first-class postage prepaid, or sent by facsimile or electronic mail to the respective parties at the following addresses unless and until a different address has been designated by written notice to the other parties.
If directed to Franchisor, the notice will be addressed to:
N2 Franchising, Inc. 2093 Philadelphia Pike, #3202 Claymont, DE 19703 Attention: General Counsel
If directed to Covenantor, the notice will be addressed to: Attention: Facsimile: Any notice will be deemed to have been given at the time of personal delivery; or, in the case of expedited delivery service, on the next Business Day; or, in the case of or registered or certified mail, three Business Days after the date and time of mailing; or, in the case of facsimile or electronic mail, upon transmission (provided confirmation is sent by expedited delivery service or registered or certified mail).
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, under the standard agreement terms, notices can be delivered personally. Specifically, Item 22 outlines the methods by which notices can be delivered, including personal delivery. However, the initial method for delivering notices is via email.
Notices to Belocal franchisees are typically sent to their @n2co.com email address, with principals receiving notices at their personal email addresses. The agreement stipulates that both the franchisor and franchisee must check these email boxes at least once per business day. This ensures timely communication on routine matters.
However, upon termination or expiration of the agreement, or if the franchisor ceases to provide an n2co.com email account, all future notices must be in writing and can be personally delivered. Alternatively, notices can be sent via expedited delivery service or certified/registered mail with return receipt requested and first-class postage prepaid. This ensures there is a verifiable record of the notice being sent and received, which is especially important during the termination phase of the agreement.
In summary, while email is the primary method of communication during the active franchise agreement, Belocal also allows for personal delivery of notices, particularly when email communication is no longer viable or when formal documentation is required, such as during the termination process. This multi-faceted approach to delivering notices ensures that both parties can maintain effective communication throughout the term of the agreement and during its dissolution.