What does 'Account' refer to in the Bigfoot Forestry franchise agreement?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
At any time during the Term we reserve the right to engage in Acquisitions, even if as a result of an Acquisition one or more competitive businesses of the acquired or acquiring company begin using our Intellectual Property (including our Marks) and providing Bigfoot Forestry Services at job sites located in the Development Territory. We have the exclusive right to enter into contracts with National Account customers, including contracts pertaining to Bigfoot Forestry Services involving job sites located in the Development Territory. Your territorial rights do not prevent us from providing, or authorizing other franchisees to provide, Bigfoot Forestry Services at job sites located in the Development Territory for National Account customers. We reserve the right to sell, and license third parties to sell, competitive or identical goods and services (including under the Marks) within the Development Territory through Alternative Channels of Distribution.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'Account' is specifically referenced in the context of 'National Account customers.' Bigfoot Forestry retains the exclusive right to enter into contracts with these National Account customers, even for services within a franchisee's Development Territory. This means that while a franchisee is granted a specific territory, Bigfoot Forestry can still directly contract with national-level clients for jobs within that territory.
This arrangement has significant implications for potential franchisees. While they are given territorial protections against other franchisees and company-owned operations, this protection does not extend to National Accounts. A franchisee might find that a substantial portion of potential business in their territory is handled directly by Bigfoot Forestry.
Therefore, it is crucial for prospective franchisees to understand the scope and nature of these National Accounts. They should inquire about the types of services these accounts typically require, the potential revenue associated with them, and how Bigfoot Forestry manages the relationship between franchisees and National Account clients operating within the franchisee's territory. Understanding these factors will help a franchisee assess the true potential of their territory and the potential impact of National Accounts on their business.