What standards must a Bft franchisee's advertising conform to?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To promote a consistent consumer experience, and to maximize the value of the products and services Studios offer, Franchisor may, subject to Applicable Laws, require fixed maximum or minimum prices for any products or services offered by the System and Franchisee.
Franchisee is obligated to abide by the pricing established by Franchisor from time to time, unless Franchisor consents to changes in local pricing offered by Franchisee in order to (i) allow Franchisee to respond to unique, local, marketing conditions, competition, or expenses; or (ii) comply with changes or interpretations in state or federal anti-trust laws.
Consistent with state or federal law, Franchisor reserves the right to change or eliminate its pricing program in the future, or to move from a required to recommended pricing structure.
For any product or service for which Franchisor does not impose a maximum or minimum price, Franchisor may require Franchisee to comply with an advertising policy adopted by Franchisor which will prohibit Franchisee from advertising any price for a product or service that is different than Franchisor's suggested retail price.
Although Franchisee must comply with
Franchisor's advertising policy, Franchisee will not be prohibited from selling any product or service at a price above or below the suggested retail price unless Franchisor imposes a maximum price or minimum price for such product or service.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bft may require franchisees to comply with an advertising policy that prohibits advertising prices for products or services that differ from Bft's suggested retail price. However, franchisees are not prohibited from selling products or services at prices above or below the suggested retail price unless Bft imposes a maximum or minimum price for such product or service. This policy aims to promote a consistent consumer experience and maximize the value of the products and services offered by Bft studios.
This means that while Bft may suggest retail prices, franchisees generally have the flexibility to set their own prices unless Bft sets a mandatory price range. However, franchisees must adhere to Bft's advertising policy, which may restrict advertising prices that deviate from the suggested retail price. This allows Bft to maintain a degree of price consistency across its franchise system while still allowing franchisees some pricing flexibility.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that while you may have some control over pricing, your advertising must align with Bft's policies. It would be prudent to clarify with Bft the specifics of their advertising policy and how much flexibility you have in setting and advertising prices in your local market. Understanding these constraints is crucial for developing effective marketing strategies and ensuring compliance with Bft's standards.