On what basis do company-owned Bigfoot Forestry businesses contribute to the Brand Fund?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must pay the brand fund fee we specify from time to time (currently 1% of Gross Sales; not to exceed 3% of Gross Sales). Company-owned Bigfoot Forestry Businesses contribute to the Brand Fund on the same basis as franchisees. However, if we modify the amount or timing of required contributions, any company-owned Bigfoot Forestry Business established or acquired after the modification may contribute to the Brand Fund utilizing the modified amount or timing. Except as stated in this paragraph, we have no obligation to expend our own funds or resources for any marketing activities in your area.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, company-owned businesses contribute to the Brand Fund on the same basis as franchisees. Currently, the brand fund fee is 1% of gross sales, but it can be up to 3% of gross sales. However, if Bigfoot Forestry modifies the amount or timing of required contributions, any company-owned Bigfoot Forestry Business established or acquired after the modification may contribute to the Brand Fund utilizing the modified amount or timing.
The Brand Fund is used to promote public awareness of the Bigfoot Forestry brand and improve its system. The franchisor has complete control over all advertising programs paid for by the Brand Fund, including the creative concepts, content, materials, endorsements, frequency, placement, and media used. The advertising is intended to be local or regional, but Bigfoot Forestry expects to engage in national advertising efforts as its footprint grows.
This arrangement ensures that company-owned locations support the brand-building efforts in a similar manner to franchisees, aligning incentives for brand growth. However, Bigfoot Forestry retains the flexibility to adjust contributions for company-owned businesses established or acquired after any modifications to the contribution requirements. This could potentially create disparities in contribution levels between franchised and company-owned locations depending on when they were established or acquired.