Does Best Western have specifications for supplies that a franchisee must adhere to?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not impose any restrictions as to the customers to whom you may sell goods or services. In general, you must comply with our requirements as to the types and levels of services, amenities and products that must or may be used, promoted or offered at or in connection with the Property. You must comply with our requirements regarding supplies, including our specifications for all supplies and our policies regarding suppliers from whom you purchase supplies.
There is no limit on our right to make changes to the system of operating hotels under the Best Western Identifying Marks and you must comply with all changes we adopt. We may require that you purchase a particular brand of product or service for resale to be sold from the Property from us or from a source we designate.
Source: Item 16 — Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell (FDD pages 87–88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the franchisor's requirements regarding supplies. This includes following Best Western's specifications for all supplies and complying with their policies concerning approved suppliers. This means a franchisee cannot simply purchase supplies from any vendor; they must use vendors and products that meet Best Western's standards.
Best Western retains the right to modify the standards of operation, and franchisees must comply with any changes the franchisor adopts. Best Western can also mandate that franchisees purchase specific brands of products or services for resale from Best Western itself or from a designated source.
Furthermore, effective June 26, 2024, Best Western Members are required to purchase specific brands of operational supply and equipment (OSE) products such as toilet paper, facial tissue, and disposable products from one of two distributors selected by Best Western. The Board of Directors has the authority to approve and amend brands or distributors if it is in the best interests of the membership, such as for pricing and performance reasons, provided appropriate notice is given to the membership. This ensures brand consistency and potentially leverages bulk purchasing power, but it also limits the franchisee's autonomy in choosing suppliers and potentially exposes them to price fluctuations from those designated suppliers.