When dealing with customers, employees, or other parties, how must a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisee identify themselves?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are required to hold yourself out to the public as an independent contractor operating under this Agreement.
- **22.3.
Required Use of Legal Name**.
All legal documents, contracts, invoices, payroll forms, purchase orders, filings, permits, licenses, and other materials between Franchisee and customers, employees, contractors, landlords, vendors, suppliers, government agencies, and other third parties must identify Franchisee by its own company or legal name and, if the document requires a signature, be signed by Franchisee in its own company or legal name.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 88–312)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to present themselves as independent contractors. This means that in all interactions, a franchisee must clearly indicate that they are operating as a separate entity under the franchise agreement.
Specifically, all legal documents, contracts, invoices, payroll forms, purchase orders, filings, permits, licenses, and other materials involving customers, employees, contractors, landlords, vendors, suppliers, government agencies, and other third parties must identify the franchisee by their own company or legal name. Furthermore, any document requiring a signature must be signed by the franchisee using their company or legal name.
This requirement ensures that all parties understand they are dealing with an independent business owner and not directly with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchising SPE LLC. This distinction is important for legal and operational clarity, as the franchisee is responsible for their own business operations, including employment decisions and contractual obligations. This also helps to protect Benjamin Franklin Plumbing from potential liabilities arising from the franchisee's actions.