What is the Big O Tires manual designed to protect?
Big_O_Tires Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must establish and operate your Big O Store in compliance with your Franchise Agreement and the standards and specifications contained in our confidential operating manual ("Manual"). Our Manual consists of various written, electronic, audio, video, and Internet instructions, including our Franchise Policies & Standards Manual, consisting of our policies and standards on various matters. The Manual also includes any training materials, including the online Learning Management System, or any other proprietary information and other materials stating Big O's standards, policies, procedures, technical bulletins or other information, including any information posted on the Big O Tires Website Business Center. The Manual is designed to protect our reputation and the goodwill of the Licensed Marks, it is not designed to control the day-to-day operations of your Big O Store. Our Manual may be modified by us periodically to reflect changes in authorized products and services, standards or service quality, and the operations of Big O Stores. 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.
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, the operating manual is designed to protect the company's reputation and the goodwill associated with its licensed marks. While the manual outlines the standards and specifications franchisees must adhere to, it's explicitly stated that it is not intended to control the day-to-day operations of a Big O Tires store. This suggests that Big O Tires aims to ensure brand consistency and quality across all franchise locations, safeguarding the overall brand image.
The manual covers various aspects of the business, including written, electronic, audio, video, and internet instructions, encompassing the Franchise Policies & Standards Manual. It also includes training materials, the online Learning Management System, and any other proprietary information, technical bulletins, or information posted on the Big O Tires Website Business Center. Big O Tires retains the right to modify the manual periodically to reflect changes in authorized products and services, standards, service quality, and store operations.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to maintain an updated manual, or if provided electronically, to regularly check for updates and ensure compliance with the current version. In case of any dispute regarding the manual's contents, the most recent revision issued by Big O Tires will prevail. This places the onus on the franchisee to stay informed about any changes and adhere to the latest guidelines to maintain brand standards and protect the reputation of Big O Tires.