Who owns the social media accounts relating to a Bigfoot Forestry franchisee's business?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (e) Social Media.
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. The franchisee is permitted to promote their business using social media, but this is conditional on several factors.
Specifically, franchisees must use only social media platforms approved by Bigfoot Forestry, adhere strictly to the company's social media policy, and obtain prior approval for all social media posts. Additionally, Bigfoot Forestry can require franchisees to contract with a social media company that the franchisor designates.
This policy gives Bigfoot Forestry significant control over the franchisee's online presence and marketing efforts. While franchisees can participate in social media promotion, the franchisor maintains ultimate ownership and administrative rights over the accounts. This allows Bigfoot Forestry to ensure brand consistency and manage the overall online reputation of the franchise system.
A prospective franchisee should consider the implications of this policy, particularly regarding their ability to independently manage their online marketing and branding. It would be prudent to discuss the specific social media policies and approval processes with Bigfoot Forestry to fully understand the level of control and input a franchisee can have.