What specific items are Best Western franchisees required to purchase from approved suppliers?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are currently required to purchase from approved suppliers initial and, from time to time, additional and/or replacement: (i) signage from suppliers we designate and other signage from approved suppliers who meet our criteria, (ii) linens, terry products, and bath amenities (e.g., soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions) from designated or approved suppliers, (iii) ICare® items (e.g., UV wands and blacklights) from approved suppliers, and (iv) our approved rate shopping service and rate optimization software subscription program.
You are currently required to license the System's PMS (currently AutoClerk Cloud PMS) from our affiliate, AutoClerk. When you obtain the required PMS, you will also receive the GMS. The GMS provides a full-suite guest management system for System Hotels. The GMS includes preregistration, dynamic upsells, guest messaging, digital compendium and mobile check-out. The GMS enables hoteliers to increase revenue, boost staff efficiency and maximize guest satisfaction. If the Property has a waiver from the requirement to use the System's required PMS, you must still obtain the GMS and pay all associated fees.
In order to license the PMS from AutoClerk, you will be required to enter into a Software as a Service Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit K. You are also currently required to purchase Lodging Link, a product offered by Comtrol Corporation that provides connectivity and integration of the PMS into other guest and hotel service systems (e.g. Call Accounting, PBX, in-room entertainment, Key Card, etc.). We are the only approved supplier and licenser of the BWI Two-Way connect software, which connects your PMS software system to our hotel software system. We are also the only approved supplier of distribution system photographs that must be taken of the Property and certain other distribution services disclosed in Item 6.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 61–64)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase specific items from approved suppliers to maintain the integrity, image, and public reputation of Best Western hotels. These mandatory purchases include initial and additional/replacement signage from designated or approved suppliers meeting Best Western's criteria. Franchisees must also acquire linens, terry products, and bath amenities like soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions from designated or approved suppliers. Additionally, ICare® items such as UV wands and blacklights must be sourced from approved suppliers. Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to subscribe to Best Western's approved rate shopping service and rate optimization software program.
Best Western also mandates that franchisees license the System's PMS (currently AutoClerk Cloud PMS) from their affiliate, AutoClerk, which includes the GMS (a full-suite guest management system). Even if a property has a waiver from using the System's required PMS, they must still obtain the GMS and pay all associated fees. Franchisees are also required to purchase Lodging Link from Comtrol Corporation, which integrates the PMS with other guest and hotel service systems. Best Western is the only approved supplier and licenser of the BWI Two-Way connect software, which connects the franchisee's PMS software system to Best Western's hotel software system. They are also the sole approved supplier of distribution system photographs and certain other distribution services.
Prospective Best Western franchisees should note that these requirements are in place to ensure brand consistency and quality across all locations. While franchisees can propose new suppliers, Best Western retains the right to inspect facilities, request product samples, and charge fees for evaluation. Approval is not guaranteed, and Best Western can revoke approval if a supplier fails to meet their criteria. Franchisees should carefully consider these purchasing obligations and the potential costs associated with them when evaluating the Best Western franchise opportunity.