What agreement must a supplier enter into before Bft provides them with product specifications?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may provide any alternate supplier you propose with a copy of our then-current specifications for any product(s) you wish the supplier to supply, provided the supplier enters into a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement in the form we specify.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 32–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bft Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee proposes an alternate supplier for products or services that Bft requires, Bft may provide its product specifications to that supplier. However, before Bft provides the specifications, the proposed supplier must enter into a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement in the form that Bft specifies.
This requirement protects Bft's proprietary information and ensures that potential suppliers do not misuse the brand's specifications. It also allows Bft to maintain control over its brand standards and quality, even when franchisees propose using alternative suppliers.
For a prospective Bft franchisee, this means that suggesting an alternate supplier involves more than just finding a cheaper or more convenient option. The supplier must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement with Bft, which could involve legal review and negotiation. This process adds a layer of complexity and potential delay to the process of getting an alternate supplier approved. Franchisees should factor this requirement into their decision-making when considering whether to propose an alternate supplier.