Does Bigfoot Forestry retain ownership of all social media accounts relating to my Bigfoot Forestry Business?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
you may only conduct social media utilizing social media platforms we approve
you must strictly comply with our social media policy, as revised from time to time
you must obtain our approval of all social media posts prior to posting
we may require that you contract with and utilize a social media company we designate
you must provide us with full administrator rights to your social media accounts
we must retain ownership of all social media accounts relating to your Business
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 retains ownership of all social media accounts related to your business. As a franchisee, you are required to get approval for all social media posts before publishing them. Additionally, Bigfoot Forestry may require you to contract with a social media company that they designate. You must also provide Bigfoot Forestry with full administrator rights to your social media accounts.
This means that while you will likely manage the day-to-day content and interactions on these accounts, Bigfoot Forestry maintains ultimate control and ownership. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain brand consistency and control over the brand's image across all franchise locations.
As a prospective franchisee, it is important to understand the implications of this policy. You should inquire about the specific guidelines and restrictions regarding social media usage, as well as the process for obtaining approval for your posts. You should also clarify what happens to the social media accounts if you decide to sell your franchise or if the franchise agreement is terminated.