Are the criteria Bombs Away uses for approving suppliers available to franchisees?
Bombs_Away Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
If you want to use a supplier that is not on our list of approved suppliers, you must request our approval in writing. We will grant or revoke approvals of suppliers based on criteria appropriate to the situation, which may include evaluations of the supplier's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing, and performance reviews. Our criteria for approving suppliers are not available to you. We permit you to contract with alternative suppliers who meet our criteria only if you request our approval in writing, and we grant approval. There is no fee for us to review or approve an alternate supplier. We will provide you with written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier you propose within 30 days after receipt of your request. We may grant approvals of new suppliers or revoke past approvals of suppliers on written notice to you.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–17)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Bombs Away's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the criteria Bombs Away uses for approving alternative suppliers are not available to franchisees. However, franchisees can request approval for alternative suppliers in writing. Bombs Away will then evaluate the supplier based on criteria such as capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability, as well as inspections, product testing, and performance reviews.
Bombs Away will provide written notification of approval or disapproval within 30 days of receiving the request. Approvals can be granted or revoked with written notice. This means that while franchisees cannot see the exact rubric Bombs Away uses, they can still propose alternative suppliers if they meet the standards Bombs Away sets.
This is a fairly common practice in franchising. Franchisors often maintain control over the supply chain to ensure quality and consistency across all franchise locations. While franchisees may want the flexibility to choose their own suppliers, franchisors like Bombs Away prioritize maintaining brand standards and operational efficiency. The written request process allows for some franchisee input while still protecting the franchisor's interests.