Under what circumstances is a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisee NOT required to submit advertising and promotional materials for approval?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Approval Requirement. All proposed advertising and promotional materials that you intend to use must be submitted to us for approval at least 30 days before their intended use. You do not have to submit samples of materials that were prepared by us or that we have approved within the last twelve months. Proposed advertising materials are deemed to be disapproved unless we have approved them in writing within 15 days after your submission of the samples. All advertising and promotion must be in the media and of the type and format that we approve, must be conducted in a dignified manner, and must conform to our standards. You may not make any television or radio appearance or any statement to any public media in connection with the Franchised Business or the Brand unless you obtain our prior written approval.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 46–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing FDD, franchisees are generally required to submit all proposed advertising and promotional materials to the franchisor for approval at least 30 days before their intended use. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Franchisees do not need to submit materials that were either prepared by the franchisor or have been approved by the franchisor within the previous 12 months. This aims to streamline the advertising process by eliminating the need for repeated approvals of standardized or previously vetted materials.
This approval requirement ensures that all advertising and promotional efforts align with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's brand standards and comply with any applicable regulations. The franchisor retains the right to ensure that all advertising is conducted in a dignified manner and adheres to their established standards. The franchisor also maintains the right to disapprove proposed advertising materials if they do not provide written approval within 15 days of submission.
Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from making television or radio appearances, or any statements to public media related to their Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise or the brand, without obtaining prior written approval from the franchisor. This provision allows Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to control its public image and messaging, ensuring consistency and accuracy in all public communications related to the brand. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as franchisors want to protect their brand reputation.
In summary, while Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees have the autonomy to create advertising and promotional materials, they must adhere to the franchisor's approval process to maintain brand consistency and quality. The exceptions to this rule are for materials created or recently approved by the franchisor, which simplifies the process for franchisees using pre-approved marketing resources.