What specific items is a Bft franchisee generally prohibited from selling at the studio without Franchisor approval?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- E. Non-Approved Services, Products or Suppliers. If Franchisee proposes to offer for sale any products, classes or services other than then-current Approved Services and Approved Products, Franchisee shall first notify Franchisor in writing and submit sufficient information, specifications and samples concerning such product, classes and/or supplier and/or service for a determination by the Franchisor whether such product, classes or supplier of service complies with the Franchisor's specifications and standards and/or whether such supplier meets the Franchisor's approved supplier criteria. Franchisor reserves the right to charge Franchisee reasonable costs in connection with Franchisor's review, evaluation and approval of alternative suppliers. These charges may include reimbursement for travel, accommodations, meal expenses, and personnel wages. Franchisor may from time to time prescribe procedures for the submission of requests for approved products and/or suppliers or services and obligations that approved suppliers must assume (which may be incorporated in a written agreement to be executed by approved suppliers). Franchisor reserves the right to revoke its approval of a previously authorized supplier, product, class or service when Franchisor determines in its discretion that such supplier, product, class or service is not meeting the specifications and standards established by Franchisor. If Franchisor modifies its list of approved products, classes and/or suppliers and/or services, Franchisee shall not, after receipt in writing of such modification, reorder any product or utilize any supplier, product, class or service that is no longer approved.
- F. Franchisor Rights. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that Franchisor and certain of its affiliates are (or may at any time in future become) an approved, designated, or sole supplier for certain fitness equipment, other equipment, products, logo items, signage and artwork, and other items and services used or sold in BFT Studios; that Franchisor and such affiliates may derive income from the sale of such items, and that the prices charged by Franchisor or such affiliates may reflect an ordinary and reasonable
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval from Bft before offering any services or products that are not already approved. This includes submitting information, specifications, and samples for Bft to determine if they meet the franchisor's standards.
Specifically, if a Bft franchisee wants to sell products, classes, or services beyond the current approved list, they must first seek written permission from Bft. This process involves providing detailed information about the proposed offerings, allowing Bft to assess whether they align with the brand's specifications and standards. Bft also has the right to charge the franchisee for the costs associated with reviewing and approving alternative suppliers, which may include expenses for travel, accommodations, meals, and personnel wages.
Bft retains the authority to modify its list of approved products, classes, and suppliers. Franchisees are obligated to comply with these changes and must discontinue using any product, class, or service that is no longer approved upon receiving written notification. This ensures that all Bft studios maintain a consistent brand image and quality of service.
Furthermore, Bft and its affiliates may become the designated or sole suppliers for certain items used or sold at Bft studios, such as fitness equipment, logo items, signage, and artwork. Franchisees should be aware that Bft may derive income from these sales, and the prices charged may reflect a reasonable profit margin for the franchisor.