What are some examples of 'Alternative Channels of Distribution' for Bigfoot Forestry services?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
change shall not constitute a termination of this Agreement.
11.4. Sales Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in §3.2, you may only provide Bigfoot Forestry Services at job sites located in your Territory. Unless you receive our prior approval, you may not offer or sell goods or services through Alternative Channels of Distribution. During the Term, you may not use any equipment or tools you purchase from us or our affiliate for any purpose other than the operation of your Business. You may not sell any goods or services that we have not approved to customers who contract with you for Bigfoot Forestry Services. If we approve your request to sell goods or services to customers that are not part of our System you must: (a) include all revenue generated from such sales in Gross Sales and pay royalty and other fees based upon such revenue; and (b) comply with any other requirements we impose as a condition to granting our approval.
11.5. National Accounts. Due to the unique issues and operational complexities involved with managing and servicing National Account customers, you may not directly contract with National Account customers or provide Bigfoot Forestry Services involving job sites owned by National Account customers unless you obtain our prior approval. We have the exclusive right to enter into contracts with National Account customers. If you receive an inquiry from an existing or prospective National Account customer, you must immediately refer the inquiry to us. We may, but need not, provide you with the opportunity to service the National Account in accordance with §6.5.
11.6. Pricing. We will provide you with our suggested retail pricing. You may deviate from our suggested retail pricing at your discretion.
11.7. Customer Contracts. Our standard forms of customer contracts, releases and related agreements are integrated within our Technology Systems. Without our prior approval, you may not: (a) modify our forms of customer contracts, releases or related agreements; or (b) prepare your own forms of customer contracts, releases or related agreements.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must receive prior approval from Bigfoot Forestry before offering or selling goods or services through Alternative Channels of Distribution. Bigfoot Forestry also reserves the right to sell, and license third parties to sell, competitive or identical goods and services (including under the Marks) within the Territory through Alternative Channels of Distribution.
While the FDD excerpt specifies that Bigfoot Forestry reserves the right to use alternative channels of distribution, it does not provide explicit examples of what these channels might be. This means that Bigfoot Forestry retains the flexibility to explore various avenues for offering its services without being restricted to the traditional franchise model.
A prospective franchisee should ask Bigfoot Forestry for specific examples of 'Alternative Channels of Distribution' to fully understand how these channels might operate and whether they could potentially compete with the franchisee's business. Understanding the nature of these alternative channels is crucial for assessing the potential impact on a franchisee's market and profitability.