In the event of a dispute with Bigfoot Forestry, what is the first step required before arbitration can be initiated?

According to the 2025 Bigfoot Forestry Franchise Disclosure Document, any dispute between the parties relating to the Development Agreement shall be resolved pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions in the Initial Franchise Agreement. The dispute resolution provisions are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in the Development Agreement. The FDD does not specify what the first step is before arbitration can be initiated.

Because the dispute resolution process is not detailed in the Development Agreement, prospective Bigfoot Forestry franchisees should carefully review the Initial Franchise Agreement for specifics. It is important to understand the steps required before arbitration, such as mandatory mediation or other forms of negotiation, as these can significantly impact the time and cost involved in resolving disputes.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the dispute resolution process, a potential franchisee should ask Bigfoot Forestry for a detailed explanation of the dispute resolution process outlined in the Initial Franchise Agreement. This will help in making an informed decision about investing in a Bigfoot Forestry franchise.