Where will the arbitration proceedings for Better Blend disputes be held?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the location of arbitration or mediation for franchises purchased in Washington will be in the state of Washington, a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. This stipulation is part of the Washington Addendum to the Disclosure Document and Rider to the Franchise Agreement.
This means that if a Better Blend franchisee in Washington has a dispute with the franchisor that goes to arbitration or mediation, the proceedings will take place within Washington state unless both parties agree to an alternative location. The arbitrator or mediator can also determine the location at the time of the proceedings. This addendum aims to protect franchisees by ensuring a more accessible and convenient location for dispute resolution.
It is important to note that this condition applies specifically to franchises purchased in Washington. Franchisees in other states may be subject to different arbitration or mediation locations as specified in the franchise agreement, which may require them to travel to a location outside of their state. Prospective franchisees should carefully review any state-specific addenda and the dispute resolution terms in their franchise agreement to understand their rights and obligations regarding arbitration and mediation.