What happens if a Belocal franchisee misses the deadline to submit content for publication?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- E. Missed Deadline Fee and Late Revisions Fee. If Franchisee fails to submit to Franchisor or its affiliate the content required to publish any of the Publication's issues by the applicable deadline communicated to Franchisee by Franchisor or its affiliate, then Franchisor reserves the right to require Franchisee to pay Franchisor or its affiliate the then-current missed deadline fee set forth in the Franchise Brand Standards Manual, which Franchisor or its affiliates may change from time to time in their sole discretion.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee fails to submit content by the communicated deadline, Belocal reserves the right to require the franchisee to pay a missed deadline fee. The amount of this fee is set forth in the Franchise Brand Standards Manual and may be changed from time to time at Belocal's discretion.
Furthermore, the FDD states that failing to submit content on time or submitting insufficient content can lead to Belocal providing the franchisee with a Business Improvement Plan. This plan will include metrics and strategies to improve the franchisee's performance. Failure to successfully complete the Business Improvement Plan constitutes a default under the Franchise Agreement and can be grounds for termination.
Additionally, if a Belocal franchisee fails to meet a deadline two or more times within a 12-month period, it can be considered a breach of contract. This could potentially lead to further action by Belocal, as outlined in the agreement.