Who owns the social media accounts relating to a Bigfoot Forestry franchise?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may promote your Business using social media provided that: (i) you only utilize social media platforms we approve; (ii) you strictly comply with our social media policy; (iii) you obtain our prior approval of all social media posts; (iv) you contract with any social media company we designate upon request; and (v) we own all social media accounts relating to your Business and retain full administrator rights.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor, Bigfoot Franchising, LLC, owns all social media accounts related to a franchisee's business and retains full administrator rights. This means that while franchisees can promote their Bigfoot Forestry business on social media, they do not own the accounts they use for promotion.
This policy has several implications for prospective franchisees. Firstly, franchisees must obtain Bigfoot Forestry's prior approval for all social media posts. Secondly, franchisees must use only social media platforms approved by Bigfoot Forestry and strictly comply with their social media policy. Finally, Bigfoot Forestry can require franchisees to contract with a social media company that Bigfoot Forestry designates.
This level of control is not uncommon in franchising, as franchisors often want to maintain brand consistency and manage the overall image of the franchise system. However, it's crucial for franchisees to understand that they will not have full autonomy over their social media presence and must adhere to Bigfoot Forestry's guidelines and directives. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the social media policy and discuss any concerns with Bigfoot Forestry before signing the franchise agreement.