Must Bigfoot Forestry franchisees use the provided email addresses for all business communications?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (e) Email Accounts.
At no additional charge, we will provide you with a certain number of BIGFOOT FORESTRY® email addresses.
We may charge you our then-current fee for each additional email address you request (this fee is added to the technology fee described in §11.11(f) below).
You must exclusively use these email addresses for all communications with us, customers, suppliers and other Persons relating to your Business.
You may not use them for any purpose unrelated to your Business.
We own the email addresses and accounts but allow you to use them during the Term.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to exclusively use the email addresses provided by the company for all business-related communications. This includes correspondence with Bigfoot Forestry itself, customers, suppliers, and other relevant parties. These email addresses are provided at no additional charge, although Bigfoot Forestry may charge a fee for any additional email addresses requested beyond the initial allocation.
This policy ensures that all communications related to the Bigfoot Forestry business are conducted through a standardized and controlled channel. This allows Bigfoot Forestry to monitor and maintain brand consistency, protect confidential information, and ensure compliance with company policies. The franchisor retains ownership of the email addresses and accounts, granting franchisees the right to use them only during the term of the franchise agreement.
This requirement is a fairly common practice in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain a consistent brand image and monitor communications related to the business. However, it's important for prospective franchisees to understand that they will not have complete control over their email communications and must adhere to Bigfoot Forestry's policies regarding email usage. Franchisees are prohibited from using these email addresses for any purpose unrelated to their Bigfoot Forestry business.