What is an 'Approved Open Territory' for Bigfoot Forestry?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
With our prior written approval, you may provide Bigfoot Forestry Services at job sites located outside your territory but within a geographic area we approve (an "Approved Open Territory"). Under no circumstances will we approve an area that: (a) is assigned to another Bigfoot Forestry Business; or (b) is not adjacent to and contiguous with your territory. If we grant our approval, you may provide Bigfoot Forestry Services at job sites located in the Approved Open Territory subject to your compliance with: (a) our thencurrent extra-territorial operations policy, if any, described in the Manual; and (b) all other conditions and requirements that we specify. We may revoke our approval if we award the territory (or a portion of the territory) to another Bigfoot Forestry Business or if we determine you are not servicing the territory in accordance with our minimum standards (for example, if we receive a high number of customer complaints). If we revoke our approval, you must immediately discontinue all operations within the Approved Open Territory. You must also help transition to us (or any person we designate) any projects involving job sites located in the Approved Open Territory.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 29–31)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an 'Approved Open Territory' refers to a geographic area outside of a franchisee's designated territory where they are permitted to provide Bigfoot Forestry services, subject to prior written approval from Bigfoot Forestry. This approval will not be granted for areas already assigned to another Bigfoot Forestry business or areas that are not adjacent to the franchisee's existing territory.
If Bigfoot Forestry grants approval for extraterritorial operations, the franchisee must adhere to the company's current extra-territorial operations policy, as outlined in the manual, and any other specific conditions or requirements set by Bigfoot Forestry. This allows franchisees some flexibility to expand their service area under specific circumstances and with the franchisor's consent.
Bigfoot Forestry retains the right to revoke approval for an Approved Open Territory if the area is awarded to another franchisee or if the franchisee fails to meet minimum service standards, such as receiving a high number of customer complaints. In the event of revocation, the franchisee must immediately cease all operations in the Approved Open Territory and assist in transitioning any ongoing projects to Bigfoot Forestry or a designated party. This provision ensures that Bigfoot Forestry maintains control over service quality and territory allocation, protecting the brand's reputation and other franchisees' interests.