What must a Big O Tires franchisee do in the event of changes to mandatory standards?
Big_O_Tires Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must comply with all standards and changes which are deemed, by their terms, to be mandatory; provided that the changes are applied in a reasonable and nondiscriminatory manner among comparable Big O franchisees.
It is your responsibility to maintain an updated Manual, or if provided electronically, to regularly check for updates to the Manual and maintain compliance with the current Manual. In the event of a dispute as to the contents of the Manual, the most recent revision made and issued by us shall control.
We have the right to change the standards and specifications included in the Manual, including the list of approved suppliers.
We have standards and specifications for your Store, the premises where your Store is located, equipment, signage, furniture, fixtures, wearables, supplies, forms, inventory, advertising materials, computer software and hardware, and most products and other items used in or sold through your Big O Store. Standards and specifications include standards for delivery, performance, warranties, signage, fixtures, design, appearance, quality and other matters.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 39–44)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big O Tires Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must comply with all mandatory standards and changes implemented by Big O Tires, provided these changes are applied reasonably and without discrimination among comparable franchisees. These standards and specifications are included in the Manual, which franchisees can access online. It is the franchisee's responsibility to stay updated with any modifications to the Manual, including regularly checking for updates if the manual is provided electronically, and to ensure compliance with the most current version. In case of a dispute regarding the Manual's contents, the most recent revision issued by Big O Tires will take precedence.
Big O Tires has the right to change the standards and specifications included in the Manual, including the list of approved suppliers. These standards and specifications cover various aspects of the store, including the premises, equipment, signage, furniture, fixtures, wearables, supplies, forms, inventory, advertising materials, computer software and hardware, and most products used or sold through the store. The standards also include criteria for delivery, performance, warranties, signage, design, appearance, and quality.
This requirement ensures uniformity and quality across all Big O Tires locations, protecting the brand's reputation and goodwill. Franchisees need to be proactive in monitoring updates to the Manual and adapting their operations to meet the new standards. While Big O Tires is obligated to apply changes reasonably and nondiscriminatorily, franchisees must be prepared to invest time and resources to implement these changes, which could include purchasing new equipment, altering store layouts, or adopting new procedures.