What channels of distribution are Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees permitted to use?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Other Channels of Distribution. You may not offer products or services through any channel other than those we have expressly approved. If you request approval of any other distribution channel or type of outlet, we will consider the factors we deem appropriate, which may include the period of time you have been operating the Franchised Business, your sales volume, whether you have met quality standards and other benchmarks, and other standards that we may determine. You may not sell products to any vendor who would in turn sell to consumers.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 57–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted in the channels of distribution they can use. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees may only offer products or services through distribution channels that have been expressly approved by the franchisor. If a franchisee wants to use a different distribution channel, they must request approval from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. The franchisor will then consider factors such as how long the franchisee has been operating, their sales volume, and whether they have met quality standards.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees are prohibited from selling products to any vendor who would then sell to consumers. This restriction ensures that franchisees do not engage in unauthorized wholesale activities that could undermine the brand's established distribution network.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing retains the right to engage in various activities, including operating similar businesses through dissimilar channels of distribution, such as the internet, mobile applications, telemarketing, retail stores, and wholesale clubs, both inside and outside the franchisee's territory, under trademarks other than the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing marks. This highlights that while franchisees have some territorial protection, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can still compete through other channels.