For Bft franchisees, is the use of approved suppliers for equipment, gear, merchandise, apparel, and supplies mandatory?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
nship with Franchisee's employees and/or independent contractors. Franchisee shall engage in no discriminatory employment practices and shall in every way comply with all Applicable Laws, including all wage-hour, civil rights, immigration, employee safety and related employment and payroll related laws. Franchisee shall make all necessary filings with, and pay all taxes and fees due to, the Internal Revenue Service and all other federal, state and local governmental agencies or entities to which filings and payments are required. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing in this Section or Agreement shall, or may be construed to, create any type of employer or joint employer relationship between (a) Franchisee or any of Franchisee's personnel, and (b) Franchisor in any matter.
8.4 Products and Services to be Offered for Sale.
A. Approved Services and Approved Products Generally. Franchisee acknowledges that the presentation of a uniform image to the public and the offering of uniform services and products is an essential element of a successful franchise system. In order to ensure consistency, quality and uniformity throughout the System, Franchisee agrees (1) to sell and offer for sale only the Approved Services and Approved Products; (2) to sell and offer for sale all of the Approved Services and Approved Products required by Franchisor; (3) not to deviate from the System Standards; and (4) to discontinue selling and offering for sale any services or products that Franchisor may, in its discretion, disapprove at any time. Franchisor shall supply Franchisee with a list of suppliers from which Franchisee is required to purchase fitness equipment and other products or services for the Studio. Franchisor may change this list from time to time, and upon notification to Franchisee, Franchisee shall only purchase fitness equipment and required products or services from approved suppliers as specified on the changed list. Franchisor and its affiliates may be designated, approved, or sole suppliers of certain items and services. Franchisee agrees to keep the Studio and fitness equipment in clean condition, with all equipment well-maintained and operational, and be able at all times during business hours to provide members with all services and products specified by Franchisor.
B. Required Use of Approved Suppliers. Franchisee may, at its option, designate, mandate or approve suppliers (which may include Franchisor and its affiliates) of all equipment, gear, merchandise, apparel, supplies, and other assets used in the development and operation of Franchisee's Studio. Franchisee agrees to purchase all such items only approved or designated suppliers and maintain all such items according to manufacturer or Franchisor specifications. Franchisor and its affiliates may, at their option, collect from Franchisee some or all payments, fees, and expenses for and associated with such items and pay the suppliers directly on Franchisee's behalf.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to purchase equipment, gear, merchandise, apparel, and supplies from approved or designated suppliers. Bft emphasizes the importance of maintaining a uniform image and consistent quality throughout the franchise system. To that end, franchisees must sell only approved services and products, adhering to Bft's system standards.
Franchisees are provided with a list of approved suppliers for fitness equipment and other products, which Bft may modify over time. Upon notification of changes to the list, franchisees are obligated to purchase from the newly specified approved suppliers. Bft, or its affiliates, may be designated as the sole supplier for certain items and services.
If a franchisee wishes to use a non-approved supplier or offer products/services outside the approved list, they must seek prior written approval from Bft. Bft reserves the right to charge franchisees for the evaluation and approval process of alternative suppliers, including costs for travel, accommodations, and personnel wages. Bft can also revoke approval of a previously authorized supplier if they no longer meet the franchisor's standards. This ensures Bft maintains control over quality and consistency within its franchise network.