Can a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee use their vehicle for purposes unrelated to the business?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Vehicle
You must have access to a new or used vehicle that meets our standards and specifications. The vehicle must be capable of towing your crew and equipment to job sites. You may purchase or lease your vehicle from any supplier of your choosing. If you do not already own a suitable vehicle, we recommend you purchase a used vehicle, not more than 5 years old, with a minimum towing capacity of 18,000 pounds. You must purchase our required vehicle wrap or vehicle decals from a supplier we designate. You may use your vehicle for purposes unrelated to your Business, but subject to any restrictions we impose in the Manual in order to protect our brand or limit liability risks.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee can use their vehicle for purposes unrelated to the business. However, this is subject to any restrictions Bigfoot Forestry may impose in their Manual to protect their brand or limit liability risks.
The FDD specifies that franchisees must have access to a vehicle meeting certain standards, capable of towing crew and equipment to job sites. While franchisees can purchase or lease the vehicle from any supplier, Bigfoot Forestry recommends a used vehicle no more than 5 years old with a minimum towing capacity of 18,000 pounds. Franchisees must also purchase the required vehicle wrap or decals from a designated supplier.
This allowance for personal use is fairly common in the franchise industry, but the potential restrictions outlined in the Bigfoot Forestry Manual highlight the importance of reviewing that document carefully. A prospective franchisee should clarify what specific restrictions might apply to personal vehicle use to fully understand the implications.