Is Bombs Away Franchising required to operate social media accounts for franchisees?
Bombs_Away Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 9.1 Approval and Implementation. Franchisee shall not conduct any marketing, advertising or public relations activities (including websites, online advertising, social media marketing or presence, and sponsorships) that have not been approved by Bombs Away Franchising. Bombs Away Franchising may (but is not obligated to) operate all "social media" accounts on behalf of the System, or it may permit franchisees to operate one or more accounts. Franchisee must comply with any System Standards regarding marketing, advertising, and public relations, include any social media policy that Bombs Away Franchising may prescribe. Franchisee shall implement any marketing plans or campaigns determined by Bombs Away Franchising.
- 9.2 Use By Bombs Away Franchising. Bombs Away Franchising may use any marketing materials or campaigns developed by or on behalf of Franchisee, and Franchisee hereby grants an unlimited, perpetual, royalty-free license to Bombs Away Franchising for such purpose.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 35–36)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Bombs Away's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bombs Away Franchising is not obligated to operate social media accounts on behalf of franchisees. However, Bombs Away Franchising retains the right to manage all social media accounts for the entire Bombs Away system. Alternatively, Bombs Away Franchising may allow individual franchisees to operate their own social media accounts.
As a Bombs Away franchisee, you must adhere to any System Standards that Bombs Away Franchising establishes regarding marketing, advertising, and public relations, including any social media policies. Additionally, franchisees are required to implement any marketing plans or campaigns determined by Bombs Away Franchising.
Bombs Away Franchising also has the right to utilize any marketing materials or campaigns developed by or for the franchisee. By signing the franchise agreement, the franchisee grants Bombs Away Franchising an unlimited, perpetual, royalty-free license to use these materials. This means that marketing efforts you create for your local franchise could be used by Bombs Away for the benefit of the entire system without additional compensation to you.
This policy gives Bombs Away Franchising significant control over the brand's image and marketing strategies, while also providing flexibility in how social media is managed at the local level. Franchisees should be prepared to align their marketing efforts with the franchisor's overall strategy and adhere to any social media policies that are put in place.