May Bigfoot Forestry require a supplier to pay a license fee to use their Marks?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you wish to purchase or lease a source-restricted item from a non-approved supplier, you must send us: (a) a written request for approval; (b) product samples for testing purposes; and (c) all additional information we request. The supplier must agree to comply with our minimum insurance, indemnification and confidentiality requirements for system suppliers and allow us to periodically inspect their facility. We may require that the supplier pay us a license fee to use our Marks. We will notify you of our decision within 30 days after we receive all required information and product samples. We may periodically reinspect approved products and suppliers and revoke our approval if a product or supplier fails to meet our then-current criteria. You must reimburse all costs we incur to evaluate products and suppliers you propose.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to purchase or lease a source-restricted item from a non-approved supplier, Bigfoot Forestry may require that the supplier pay them a license fee to use their Marks. This is part of the process for a franchisee to request approval of a non-approved supplier. The supplier must also agree to comply with Bigfoot Forestry's minimum insurance, indemnification, and confidentiality requirements and allow them to periodically inspect their facility.
Bigfoot Forestry will notify the franchisee of their decision regarding the supplier approval within 30 days after receiving all required information and product samples. Bigfoot Forestry may also periodically reinspect approved products and suppliers and revoke their approval if a product or supplier fails to meet their then-current criteria. The franchisee is responsible for reimbursing all costs Bigfoot Forestry incurs to evaluate products and suppliers they propose.
This policy gives Bigfoot Forestry significant control over its supply chain and brand standards. While it allows franchisees to suggest alternative suppliers, the process involves potential costs and the risk of denial. The license fee provision provides Bigfoot Forestry with a potential revenue stream from suppliers, further incentivizing them to maintain tight control over their approved supplier network. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these restrictions and potential costs when evaluating the Bigfoot Forestry franchise opportunity.