What requirements must a non-approved supplier meet to be considered by Bigfoot Forestry?
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 supplier not already approved by Bigfoot Forestry, the franchisee must first seek approval from Bigfoot Forestry. This process involves several steps to ensure the supplier meets Bigfoot Forestry's standards.
First, the franchisee must send Bigfoot Forestry a written request for approval, product samples for testing, and any additional information Bigfoot Forestry requests. The potential supplier must agree to comply with Bigfoot Forestry's minimum requirements for insurance, indemnification, and confidentiality. Additionally, the supplier must allow Bigfoot Forestry to periodically inspect their facility. Bigfoot Forestry also retains the right to require the supplier to pay a license fee for the use of Bigfoot Forestry's marks.
Bigfoot Forestry will then notify the franchisee of their decision within 30 days after receiving all the required information and product samples. Even if a supplier is initially approved, Bigfoot Forestry may periodically reinspect the products and suppliers and revoke approval if they fail to meet the then-current criteria. Ultimately, the franchisee is responsible for reimbursing Bigfoot Forestry for all costs incurred during the evaluation of the proposed products and suppliers. This process ensures that all suppliers meet Bigfoot Forestry's standards for quality and reliability, but it also places the onus of cost for the approval process on the franchisee.