If the Bigfoot Forestry agreement requires approval, how must a franchisee request it?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (c) Approval Process.
If you wish to purchase alternative goods or services or purchase from alternative suppliers, you must send us a request for approval that: (i) identifies the proposed supplier and the goods/services to be purchased; (ii) includes all information we require about the goods/services and the supplier (including the supplier's qualifications, reputation, financial strength and production capabilities); and (iii) includes product samples for examination and testing purposes.
We may condition our approval on the supplier's agreement to comply with our minimum insurance, indemnification and confidentiality requirements for system suppliers.
We will approve or disapprove your request within 30 days after we receive all required information and samples.
Your request is deemed disapproved if we fail to issue our approval within the 30-day period.
You must reimburse all costs we incur to review suppliers or goods/services you propose.
We need not consider substitute goods or alternative suppliers for goods that are proprietary or branded with our Marks.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to purchase alternative goods or services or purchase from alternative suppliers, they must submit a request for approval. This request must include specific information. First, the franchisee must identify the proposed supplier and the goods or services they intend to purchase. Second, the request must contain all information Bigfoot Forestry requires about the goods or services and the supplier, including the supplier's qualifications, reputation, financial strength, and production capabilities. Finally, the franchisee must include product samples for examination and testing purposes.
Bigfoot Forestry may condition its approval on the supplier's agreement to comply with their minimum insurance, indemnification, and confidentiality requirements for system suppliers. Bigfoot Forestry will then approve or disapprove the request within 30 days after receiving all required information and samples. If Bigfoot Forestry fails to issue its approval within this 30-day period, the request is deemed disapproved. The franchisee is responsible for reimbursing all costs Bigfoot Forestry incurs to review the proposed suppliers or goods and services.
However, Bigfoot Forestry need not consider substitute goods or alternative suppliers for goods that are proprietary or branded with their Marks. This process ensures that Bigfoot Forestry maintains control over the quality and uniformity of goods and services used within its franchise system, protecting its brand and reputation.