What must a proposed vendor for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing demonstrate to obtain approval?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
on the location of your Franchised Business, you may have the option to take advantage of these vendor arrangements.
Vendor Approval Process
If we require you to use an approved vendor for a particular item, but you wish to purchase the item from a source that we have not approved, you may submit a written request for approval of the vendor, unless it is an item for which we have designated a specific vendor. To obtain approval, proposed vendors must demonstrate the ability to meet our standards and must possess adequate quality controls and capacity to supply your needs promptly and reliably. We will provide the relevant standards and specifications to vendors that wish to become approved vendors, provided that the proposed vendor signs a confidentiality agreement; however, we may refuse to disclose product formulations or specifications that we deem to be extremely sensitive. At our request, you must submit samples and other information we require to examine, test and determine whether the proposed vendor meets our specifications and quality standards. We may also require that the proposed vendor allow our representatives to inspect its facilities. We may charge vendors a license fee to use our trademarks or other proprietary property. We may also charge vendors a rebate for participation in our purchasing program.
We have no obligation to approve any specific vendor or any minimum number of vendors for any item, and any proposed vendor relationship must not jeopardize the availability of any special pricing or other benefits offered by existing vendors based on system-wide purchases. We may require you to pay a fee to cover our costs of reviewing a proposed vendor, which you must pay whether or not we approve the vendor.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 37–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing FDD, if a franchisee wishes to use a vendor not already approved by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (for items where a specific vendor hasn't been designated), the franchisee can submit a written request for vendor approval. To gain approval, the proposed vendor must demonstrate the ability to meet Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's standards. They also need to show they have adequate quality controls and the capacity to supply the franchisee's needs promptly and reliably.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will provide the relevant standards and specifications to vendors seeking approval, but only after the vendor signs a confidentiality agreement. However, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can refuse to disclose product formulations or specifications deemed extremely sensitive. At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's request, the franchisee must submit samples and other information for examination and testing to determine if the vendor meets specifications and quality standards. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing may also require the vendor to allow inspection of its facilities.
It's important to note that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has no obligation to approve any specific vendor or a minimum number of vendors for any item. The proposed vendor relationship must not jeopardize any special pricing or other benefits offered by existing vendors based on system-wide purchases. The franchisee may be required to pay a fee to cover Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's costs of reviewing the proposed vendor, regardless of whether the vendor is ultimately approved. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing generally provides written notice of approval or disapproval within 30 days after receiving the request and completing the evaluation and testing, if required. The franchisee cannot sell or offer for sale any products or services from the proposed vendor until written approval is received.