What is the condition for Bigfoot Forestry to have no liability to franchisees for supplier issues?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must only purchase goods and services that satisfy all standards and specifications we designate.
You must comply with all sourcing and supplier restrictions we impose from time to time.
- (b) System Suppliers.
In accordance with the Manual, you must purchase certain goods and services exclusively from suppliers we designate or approve.
The Manual may designate us or our affiliate as a designated or approved supplier.
We and our affiliates may generate a profit from these purchases.
Our right to specify the suppliers you use is necessary so we can control the uniformity and quality of goods and services used, sold or distributed in connection with the development and operation of Bigfoot Forestry Businesses, protect our trade secrets, negotiate bulk purchase discounts and protect the reputation and goodwill associated with our System and Marks.
You must immediately discontinue purchasing from any supplier we disapprove.
- (c) Approval Process.
If you wish to purchase alternative goods or services or purchase from alternative suppliers, you must send us a request for approval that: (i) identifies the proposed supplier and the goods/services to be purchased; (ii) includes all information we require about the goods/services and the supplier (including the supplier's qualifications, reputation, financial strength and production capabilities); and (iii) includes product samples for examination and testing purposes.
We may condition our approval on the supplier's agreement to comply with our minimum insurance, indemnification and confidentiality requirements for system suppliers.
We will approve or disapprove your request within 30 days after we receive all required information and samples.
Your request is deemed disapproved if we fail to issue our approval within the 30-day period.
You must reimburse all costs we incur to review suppliers or goods/services you propose.
We need not consider substitute goods or alternative suppliers for goods that are proprietary or branded with our Marks.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase goods and services that meet the standards and specifications designated by Bigfoot Forestry. Franchisees must also comply with all sourcing and supplier restrictions imposed by Bigfoot Forestry.
Bigfoot Forestry may designate or approve certain suppliers from whom franchisees must exclusively purchase goods and services, as outlined in the manual. Bigfoot Forestry and its affiliates may profit from these purchases. The right to specify suppliers is maintained to control the uniformity and quality of goods and services, protect trade secrets, negotiate bulk purchase discounts, and safeguard the reputation and goodwill of the Bigfoot Forestry system and marks.
If a franchisee wishes to purchase alternative goods or services or purchase from alternative suppliers, they must submit a request for approval. This request must include identification of the proposed supplier and goods/services, all required information about the goods/services and supplier (including qualifications, reputation, financial strength, and production capabilities), and product samples for examination and testing. Bigfoot Forestry may condition its approval on the supplier's agreement to comply with minimum insurance, indemnification, and confidentiality requirements. Bigfoot Forestry will approve or disapprove the request within 30 days after receiving all required information and samples; failure to respond within this period results in automatic disapproval. The franchisee must reimburse all costs incurred by Bigfoot Forestry to review proposed suppliers or goods/services. Bigfoot Forestry need not consider substitute goods or alternative suppliers for goods that are proprietary or branded with their Marks.
The FDD excerpt does not explicitly state the conditions under which Bigfoot Forestry would have no liability to franchisees for supplier issues. However, it outlines the approval process for suppliers and the franchisee's obligation to use only approved suppliers. A prospective franchisee should ask Bigfoot Forestry under what specific conditions they would not be liable for supplier-related issues, such as supply chain disruptions, defective products, or failures in service.