What examples of third-party vendors and suppliers might Better Blend require franchisees to use?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| We have the right to require franchisees to | |||
| use third-party vendors and suppliers that | |||
| we designate. Examples can include | |||
| computer support vendors, mystery | |||
| shopping, and customer feedback systems. | |||
| The vendors and suppliers may bill | |||
| franchisees directly, or we have the right | |||
| to collect payment for these vendors | |||
| together with a reasonable markup or | |||
| charge for administering the payment | |||
| program. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 11–15)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Better Blend has the right to require franchisees to use specific third-party vendors and suppliers. These vendors and suppliers may bill the franchisee directly, or Better Blend may collect payment for these vendors together with a reasonable markup or charge for administering the payment program.
Examples of third-party vendors and suppliers that Better Blend may require franchisees to use include computer support vendors, mystery shopping services, and customer feedback systems.
This requirement means that franchisees may not be able to choose their own vendors for these services and must use the vendors designated by Better Blend. While this ensures consistency across the franchise system, it may also limit a franchisee's ability to negotiate pricing or choose vendors with whom they have an existing relationship. Franchisees should inquire about the criteria Better Blend uses to select these vendors and the process for evaluating their performance.