Is a Belocal franchisee currently free to set the prices for the advertisements they sell?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees generally have the freedom to set their own advertising prices, with one exception. Belocal and/or its affiliate retain the right to establish pricing requirements, including maximum, minimum, or other pricing structures, for the publishing and advertising rates franchisees communicate to potential advertisers.

Currently, the only exception to this pricing freedom involves digital Extended Reach advertising services. Belocal requires franchisees to price these services within a specified range. This means that while franchisees can generally determine their own pricing strategies for most advertisements, they must adhere to Belocal's pricing guidelines for digital Extended Reach advertising services.

This policy allows Belocal to maintain some control over pricing for specific advertising services, likely to ensure consistency and competitiveness in the market. However, franchisees retain the flexibility to set prices for other advertising products, potentially allowing them to tailor their offerings to local market conditions and customer needs. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific pricing range for digital Extended Reach advertising services and understand how this requirement may impact their overall pricing strategy and profitability.