What is the total cost to a Bft franchisee for Alternative Supplier Approval?

According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee may request approval for an alternative supplier, item, product, or service. Bft may require the franchisee to prepay reasonable charges connected with the review and evaluation of any such proposal. The FDD does not specify a fixed fee or a range for these charges, indicating that the cost will depend on the nature and complexity of the item, product, service, or supplier being evaluated.

This means that a Bft franchisee seeking to use an alternative supplier will need to budget for potential costs associated with Bft's review process. These costs could include administrative fees, testing fees, or other expenses Bft incurs to ensure the proposed alternative meets its standards and specifications. The franchisee should discuss with Bft what these charges might entail before formally submitting a request.

It is common in franchising for franchisors to maintain control over their supply chain to ensure consistency and quality across all locations. While this often means franchisees must purchase from approved suppliers, the option to request approval for alternatives can provide some flexibility, provided the franchisee is willing to cover the associated evaluation costs. A prospective franchisee should inquire about the typical costs associated with alternative supplier approval to better understand the potential financial implications.