Under what conditions does Belocal permit franchisees to sell print advertisements into Bridge Publications?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (4) Additionally, we have the option but not the obligation to allow you to sell print advertisements into Bridge Publications. If we permit you to do so, we will be obligated to pay you a commission. We can change the amount of the commission, but it will always be an amount that is at least the amount of the then-current fees we receive if we cross-sell a Corporate Ad into the Publication. Currently, we do permit you to sell print advertisements into Bridge Publications. If you sell a print advertisement for inclusion in a Bridge Publication, you (as the selling party) will receive a fee equal to 35% of the Cash Received for that advertisement and we or our affiliate (as the receiving party) will receive a fee of 65% of the Cash Received, from which we or our affiliate will pay the publication expenses.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 14–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Belocal has the option, but not the obligation, to allow franchisees to sell print advertisements into Bridge Publications. Currently, Belocal does permit franchisees to sell print advertisements into Bridge Publications. If a franchisee sells a print advertisement for inclusion in Bridge Publications, the franchisee will receive a fee equal to 35% of the cash received for that advertisement. Belocal or its affiliate will receive the remaining 65% of the cash received, from which they will pay the publication expenses.
This arrangement means that while Belocal allows franchisees to sell ads into Bridge Publications, the majority of the revenue (65%) goes to Belocal or its affiliate, which is then used to cover publication expenses. The franchisee's 35% share is their commission for the sale. This commission structure is subject to change, although Belocal states that the commission will always be at least the amount of the then-current fees Belocal receives if it cross-sells a Corporate Ad into the Publication.
It's important for prospective Belocal franchisees to understand that this permission is not guaranteed and can be revoked. Additionally, the commission structure could change, potentially affecting the profitability of selling ads into Bridge Publications. Franchisees should inquire about the current policies and procedures related to selling ads into Bridge Publications to fully understand their obligations and potential earnings.