Can a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee modify the standard customer contracts without approval?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must offer and provide all Bigfoot Forestry Services we require from time to time in our commercially reasonable discretion.
We may designate certain Bigfoot Forestry Services as optional, in which case you have the option, but not the obligation, to offer such services.
As a condition to offering optional goods or services you may be required to complete additional training, purchase additional equipment and tools and secure additional licenses or permits.
You may not offer any other goods or services without our prior written permission.
You may not sell any goods or services we have disapproved.
You may not use your Business, or permit your Business to be used, for any purpose other than offering the goods and services we authorize.
We may change authorized goods and services at any time and you must comply with our instructions regarding same.
Any such change shall not constitute a termination of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the ability of a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee to modify customer contracts is not explicitly detailed. However, the FDD does state that franchisees must offer all Bigfoot Forestry Services that the franchisor requires and may not offer any other goods or services without prior written permission. This suggests that franchisees must adhere to the services and standards set by Bigfoot Forestry.
Furthermore, the FDD emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Bigfoot Forestry System and the goodwill associated with its Marks. Franchisees must comply with the franchisor's standards and operating procedures, and failure to do so can result in noncompliance fees. This underscores the need for franchisees to follow established protocols and guidelines, which likely extend to customer contracts.
While the FDD does not directly address contract modification, the overall framework indicates that franchisees have limited autonomy in deviating from the franchisor's established business model. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Bigfoot Forestry the extent to which they can customize or modify customer contracts and under what circumstances such changes would be permissible.