On what should a Best Brains franchisee focus their marketing efforts?
Best_Brains Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must focus your marketing efforts on promoting and enhancing the Franchised Business. You are prohibited from selling products or services by the Internet or by mail order or catalog, unless we first provide written approval. You may accept orders from anywhere. You do not have the right to use other channels of distribution, such as by the Internet or by mail order or catalog to make sales.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 28–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Brains' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must concentrate their marketing efforts on promoting and enhancing their franchised business. While franchisees can accept orders from any location, they are restricted from selling products or services via the internet, mail order, or catalogs without prior written approval from Best Brains.
Best Brains maintains significant control over advertising and online presence. Franchisees are required to list their business in specified print or online directories using Best Brains' standard formats. Although franchisees have access to corporate-provided social media and can post content according to guidelines, Best Brains retains master rights and can modify these posts. Franchisees are also prohibited from creating their own websites or domains; instead, each location has a dedicated section on Best Brains' corporate website, for which franchisees must regularly provide new content.
Prior to opening, franchisees must spend a minimum of $14,000 on local advertising and promotion as part of a grand opening marketing plan approved by Best Brains. These expenses are separate from any Brand Development Fund contributions. Best Brains may also require franchisees to pay these amounts to the Brand Development Fund before the "open house," which Best Brains will then use for local advertising according to their developed marketing plan.
These stipulations highlight the importance of adhering to Best Brains' marketing strategies and obtaining approval for any independent advertising initiatives. The initial $14,000 investment for the grand opening is a substantial upfront cost that franchisees need to factor into their budget. The restrictions on website creation and online sales channels also mean franchisees must rely heavily on Best Brains' approved digital platforms and marketing approaches.