Must a request for approval from Bigfoot Forestry be made in a timely manner?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees seeking approval for alternative goods, services, or suppliers must submit a request that includes specific information. This request must identify the proposed supplier and the goods/services, provide all required information about the goods/services and the supplier (including qualifications, reputation, financial strength, and production capabilities), and include product samples for examination and testing. Bigfoot Forestry will then approve or disapprove the request within 30 days after receiving all the necessary information and samples. If Bigfoot Forestry fails to respond within this 30-day period, the request is automatically deemed disapproved.
This 30-day approval process has significant implications for Bigfoot Forestry franchisees. It means franchisees need to plan ahead and submit their requests well in advance of when they need the alternative goods or services. The disapproval of a request, whether explicit or due to the 30-day default, prevents the franchisee from purchasing from the desired supplier. This could potentially disrupt their operations if they are unable to secure necessary supplies or services in a timely manner from approved sources.
Bigfoot Forestry's requirement for franchisees to cover all costs associated with reviewing proposed suppliers or goods/services adds another layer to the approval process. Franchisees need to factor in these potential costs when considering whether to seek approval for alternative options. This policy ensures that Bigfoot Forestry is compensated for the resources it expends in evaluating these requests, but it also places a financial burden on the franchisee.
Overall, the approval process outlined in the FDD highlights the importance of careful planning and proactive communication between Bigfoot Forestry and its franchisees. Franchisees need to be aware of the timelines involved and the potential costs associated with seeking approval for alternative goods, services, or suppliers. This process is in place to maintain quality and uniformity within the Bigfoot Forestry system, but it also requires franchisees to be diligent in their sourcing and procurement activities.