Can a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee sell goods or services that have been disapproved?

According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from selling any goods or services that the franchisor has disapproved. This restriction is part of a broader set of rules governing the goods and services a franchisee can offer. Franchisees must offer all Bigfoot Forestry Services that the franchisor requires and may have the option to offer additional services designated as optional.

To offer these optional services, a franchisee may need to complete additional training, acquire more equipment, and obtain necessary licenses or permits. The FDD emphasizes that franchisees cannot offer any goods or services without prior written permission from Bigfoot Forestry. Furthermore, Bigfoot Forestry retains the right to change the authorized goods and services at any time, and franchisees must adhere to these changes.

This policy ensures uniformity and quality across all Bigfoot Forestry franchises, protecting the brand's reputation and goodwill. It also allows Bigfoot Forestry to maintain control over the services provided and the equipment used. While franchisees can request approval to purchase alternative goods or services or use alternative suppliers, Bigfoot Forestry has the right to disapprove these requests and can require reimbursement for the costs of reviewing proposed suppliers or goods. This control is particularly stringent for proprietary or branded goods, where substitute goods or alternative suppliers may not even be considered.

In practical terms, a prospective Bigfoot Forestry franchisee needs to be aware that they have limited autonomy in choosing which goods and services to offer. They must adhere to the franchisor's approved list and cannot introduce new or unapproved items. This restriction is common in franchising, as it helps maintain brand consistency and quality control. Franchisees should carefully consider whether this level of control aligns with their entrepreneurial aspirations before investing in a Bigfoot Forestry franchise.