What aspects of the Opening Support Program for a Bft franchise must be approved by the franchisor?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e Studio; and (iv) the installation and shipping costs for the foregoing items. Throughout the Term, Franchisee will be responsible for (i) maintaining and/or replacing the exercise equipment, furniture, fixtures, other equipment, and related supplies used in connection with the Studio; and (ii) maintaining certain levels of inventory with respect to those items comprising the Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit, as set forth more fully in this Agreement.
- B. As part of the Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit, Franchisee will acquire and must utilize certain pre-sales start-up package materials in coordination with the pre-opening sales plan that Franchisee is required to commence conducting at least sixty (60) days prior to the Studio's Soft Opening (the "Pre-Sales Phase"). Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that Franchisee must: (i) develop the foregoing plan in coordination with the opening support program designated by Franchisor that is designed to generate prospective Studio clientele and members and otherwise promote the Studio prior to the Soft Opening (the "Opening Support Program"); (ii) obtain Franchisor's prior approval of the plan and all Pre-Sales Phase activities;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must develop an opening support program designed to generate prospective clientele and promote the studio before its soft opening. This plan and all pre-sales phase activities require the franchisor's prior approval. Additionally, the franchisee must spend all required amounts that Bft prescribes or approves as part of the franchisee's pre-sales phase plan, including any amounts due to Bft's approved supplier for the Opening Support Program.
This means that a Bft franchisee cannot independently decide on the marketing strategies or allocate funds for pre-opening activities without the franchisor's consent. This ensures that all franchisees adhere to a consistent brand image and marketing approach that Bft deems effective.
The franchisee is responsible for paying all fees and costs associated with the Opening Support Program and other Pre-Sales Phase activities when they become due. Bft also retains the right to revoke approval of any advertising materials at any time and must approve any form of co-branding of the Marks, or advertising or use of the Marks to endorse or support other organizations, brands, products or services, in writing, in advance. This level of control allows Bft to maintain quality control and consistency across all franchise locations, but it also limits the franchisee's autonomy in making local marketing decisions.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these requirements and discuss with Bft the specifics of the Opening Support Program, including the expected costs, the level of flexibility in implementing the plan, and the criteria Bft uses to approve or disapprove marketing initiatives. Understanding these aspects is crucial for budgeting and planning the pre-opening phase of the Bft studio.