Can Bigfoot Forestry require a franchisee to acquire new or substitute technology systems?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (e) you set up your office and acquire and install all required Technology Systems;
You must only purchase goods and services that satisfy all standards and specifications we designate.
You must comply with all sourcing and supplier restrictions we impose from time to time.
- (b) System Suppliers.
In accordance with the Manual, you must purchase certain goods and services exclusively from suppliers we designate or approve.
The Manual may designate us or our affiliate as a designated or approved supplier.
We and our affiliates may generate a profit from these purchases.
Our right to specify the suppliers you use is necessary so we can control the uniformity and quality of goods and services used, sold or distributed in connection with the development and operation of Bigfoot Forestry Businesses, protect our trade secrets, negotiate bulk purchase discounts and protect the reputation and goodwill associated with our System and Marks.
You must immediately discontinue purchasing from any supplier we disapprove.
- (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, franchisees are required to acquire and install all required Technology Systems as part of establishing their business. While the FDD stipulates that franchisees must initially set up these systems, it also states that franchisees must only purchase goods and services that satisfy all standards and specifications designated by Bigfoot Forestry and comply with all sourcing and supplier restrictions imposed from time to time. This indicates that Bigfoot Forestry has the authority to modify the required technology systems.
Bigfoot Forestry retains the right to specify the suppliers franchisees use to control the uniformity and quality of goods and services, protect trade secrets, negotiate bulk purchase discounts, and safeguard the brand's reputation. Franchisees must discontinue purchasing from any supplier that Bigfoot Forestry disapproves. If a franchisee wishes to purchase alternative goods or services or use alternative suppliers, they must request approval from Bigfoot Forestry, providing all necessary information and samples for review.
Bigfoot Forestry will either approve or disapprove the request within 30 days after receiving all required information and samples. The request is deemed disapproved if Bigfoot Forestry fails to issue its approval within the 30-day period. The franchisee is responsible for reimbursing all costs incurred by Bigfoot Forestry to review proposed suppliers or goods/services. Bigfoot Forestry need not consider substitute goods or alternative suppliers for goods that are proprietary or branded with their Marks. Therefore, Bigfoot Forestry can likely require franchisees to adopt new or substitute technology systems to maintain uniformity and quality standards within the franchise network.