What are 'Inputs' that Better Blend franchisees are required to acquire?
Better_Blend Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
r any legally protected class in the jurisdiction where the Business is located, or (iv) any act which injures or is likely to injure the goodwill associated with the Marks, in BBF's reasonable opinion.
ARTICLE 8. SUPPLIERS AND VENDORS
- 8.1 Generally. Franchisee shall acquire all Inputs required by BBF from time to time in accordance with System Standards. BBF may require Franchisee to purchase or lease any Inputs from BBF, BBF's designee, Required Vendors, Approved Vendors, and/or under BBF's specifications. BBF may change any such requirement or change the status of any vendor. To make such requirement or change effective, BBF shall issue the appropriate System Standards.
- 8.2 Alternate Vendor Approval. If BBF requires Franchisee to purchase a particular Input only from an Approved Vendor or Required Vendor, and Franchisee desires to purchase the Input from another vendor, then Franchisee must submit a written request for approval and any information, specifications and/or samples requested by BBF. BBF may approve or disapprove the alternative vendor in its sole discretion. BBF may condition its approval on such criteria as BBF deems appropriate, which may include evaluations of the vendor's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing, and performance reviews.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Better Blend's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must acquire all 'Inputs' as required by Better Blend, adhering to the System Standards. Better Blend has the discretion to mandate that franchisees purchase or lease these 'Inputs' from Better Blend itself, its designated entities, Required Vendors, Approved Vendors, or according to Better Blend's specific requirements. These requirements and vendor statuses are subject to change at Better Blend's discretion, with changes communicated through updated System Standards.
If a franchisee wishes to purchase a particular 'Input' from a vendor not already approved, they must submit a written request to Better Blend for approval. This request should include any information, specifications, and samples that Better Blend requires. Better Blend has the sole discretion to approve or disapprove the alternative vendor.
Approval of an alternative vendor may be conditional, based on criteria such as the vendor's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability. Better Blend may also require inspections, product testing, and performance reviews. The franchisee will receive written notification of the approval or disapproval of their proposed vendor within 30 days of Better Blend's receipt of the request.
This system allows Better Blend to maintain quality control and standardization across all franchise locations by carefully managing the sources of supplies and materials used in the business. For a prospective franchisee, this means they may have limited flexibility in sourcing products and supplies, but it also ensures that they are using approved, reliable vendors that meet Better Blend's standards.