What is the process for a Bens Soft Pretzels franchisee to get an alternate supplier approved?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ight in the future.
Except for any products, supplies or materials for which we designate a single source approved supplier, if you wish to purchase products, supplies, materials or equipment from other suppliers not approved by us, you must submit to us a written request to approve the proposed supplier, together with any background documents or evidence we may require. We will have the right to require you to obtain permissions from the supplier to allow our representatives to inspect the supplier's facilities and that you deliver samples from the supplier for evaluation and testing either to us or to an independent testing facility that we designate. To have an alternate supplier approved, you must first notify us in writing, submit
sufficient specifications, samples and information, along with our then current fee (which is currently $500 per day) for each person we provide for this determination plus reasonable expenses. Our criteria for approving suppliers is confidential and is not available to franchisees. You may contract only with suppliers whom we have approved. We will notify you of our approval or disapproval within 30 days of our receiving all requested information. We may revoke our approval of a supplier at any time for any reason. Upon receipt of our revocation of approval, you must cease to use or sell any disapproved products and cease to purchase from any d
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bens Soft Pretzels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the option to request approval for suppliers not already on the approved list, except for products where Bens Soft Pretzels designates a single source. To initiate this process, a franchisee must submit a written request to Bens Soft Pretzels, including any background documents or evidence that Bens Soft Pretzels may require.
Bens Soft Pretzels has the right to require franchisees to obtain permission from the proposed supplier, allowing Bens Soft Pretzels' representatives to inspect the supplier's facilities. Additionally, franchisees may need to provide samples from the supplier for evaluation and testing, either directly to Bens Soft Pretzels or to an independent testing facility designated by them. Bens Soft Pretzels also requires the franchisee to submit sufficient specifications, samples, and information, along with a fee of $500 per day for each person Bens Soft Pretzels provides for this determination, plus reasonable expenses.
The criteria Bens Soft Pretzels uses for approving suppliers is confidential and not disclosed to franchisees. Bens Soft Pretzels will notify the franchisee of their approval or disapproval within 30 days of receiving all the requested information. However, Bens Soft Pretzels retains the right to revoke approval of a supplier at any time and for any reason. If a supplier's approval is revoked, the franchisee must immediately stop using or selling any products from that supplier and cease making further purchases from them. This process ensures that Bens Soft Pretzels maintains control over the quality and consistency of its products while allowing franchisees some flexibility in sourcing.