Is Bigfoot Forestry responsible for the research and development of technology related to the franchise?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We administer the Brand Fund to promote public awareness of our brand and improve our System. We may use the Brand Fund to pay for any of the following in our discretion:
- developing, distributing or administering advertising and marketing materials and programs
- conducting and administering promotions, contests or giveaways
- public and consumer relations and publicity
- brand development
- sponsorships and charitable and nonprofit donations and events
- research and development of technology, products and services
- website development and search engine optimization
- development, maintenance and promotion of an ecommerce platform
- development and implementation of quality control programs
- conducting market research
- reimbursing us for costs we incur to host franchisee conferences
- changes and improvements to the System
- fees and expenses charged by advertising agencies we engage to provide marketing services
- collecting and accounting for brand fund fees and preparing financial accountings of the Brand Fund
- any other programs or activities we deem appropriate to promote or improve the System
- reimbursing us for administrative, overhead and other expenses we incur to administer the Brand Fund, including compensation paid to our personnel for time spent working on Brand Fund matters
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bigfoot Forestry administers a Brand and System Development Fund to promote brand awareness and improve the Bigfoot Forestry system. The fund may be used, at Bigfoot Forestry's discretion, for research and development of technology, products, and services.
Bigfoot Forestry requires franchisees to purchase and use designated Technology Systems, including a laptop, mobile smart phone, printer, CRM, Microsoft 365, Lead Connector, and QuickBooks Online accounting software. The computer system is used for invoicing, processing payments, tracking employees and leads, scheduling services, preparing reports, and financial accounting. The initial cost of the computer system is estimated to range from $1,500 to $1,800, including $600 for a pre-configured laptop from Bigfoot Forestry's affiliate.
Franchisees must also pay a technology fee of $350 per month ($4,200 per year) to Bigfoot Forestry for software, technology, and related services. This fee covers the cost of the franchisee's Microsoft 365 account and technology support. Bigfoot Forestry may also host periodic conferences to discuss new equipment, services, products, technology, or marketing strategies.