Does Boulder Designs permit franchisees to contract with alternative suppliers for certain supplies and equipment?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ure and Signs
You must contract, purchase, lease, or license any services, equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies, computer hardware and software, or other materials to be used in the operation of the Franchised Business only from suppliers that we designate or approve (which might include or be limited to us or our affiliates), if stated in the Manual or previously approved in writing by us. You may purchase items and services for which we have not identified approved suppliers from any source, if the items and services meet our specifications.
You must purchase certain supplies and equipment necessary for the Franchised Business from us. Currently we are the only approved supplier for a Concrete Mixer, Transport Trailer, truck signage, marketing and initial supplies, manuals, and other necessary equipment as well as optional equipment and supplies as set forth in Schedule 1 of the Key Terms Page (Exhibit 1 to the Franchise Agreement). We do not permit franchisees to contact with alternative suppliers for these supplies and equipment, and accordingly there are no procedures for securing approval for alternative suppliers for such items.
Except as described above, neither we nor any of our affiliates is currently an approved supplier. None of our officers owns an interest in any other privately-held supplier or a material interest in any publicly-held supplier.
Other Products, Supplies and Materials
You must purchase all products, goods, services, supplies, fixtures, materials or equipment and signs; and other materials and supplies used in the operation of the Franchised Business that meet the specifications and quality standards that we have established periodically and from suppliers and manufacturers that we have approved, as described in the Manual(s).
You must use only envelopes, business cards, letterhead, labels and documentation imprinted with the Marks and colors that we have prescribed and approved.
Specifications and Standards
We have the right to approve sources of services or products sold in Franchised Businesses. Any changes to or modifications of the System, the Manual, or any standard will be promptly communicated to you.
You must comply with our specifications for brands and types of equipment used in your Franchised Business. If you propose to purchase any items for use in your Franchised Business from an unapproved source for which we have identified, designated, or approved supplier(s), you must request our approval first.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 20–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to purchase or lease services, equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies, computer hardware and software, and other materials from suppliers designated or approved by Boulder Designs. However, if Boulder Designs has not identified approved suppliers for certain items and services, franchisees may purchase these from any source, provided they meet Boulder Designs' specifications.
However, Boulder Designs does not permit franchisees to contract with alternative suppliers for certain essential supplies and equipment. Specifically, Boulder Designs is currently the only approved supplier for a Concrete Mixer, Transport Trailer, truck signage, marketing and initial supplies, manuals, and other necessary equipment, as well as optional equipment and supplies detailed in Schedule 1 of the Key Terms Page. There are no procedures in place for franchisees to seek approval for alternative suppliers for these specific items.
For other products, goods, services, supplies, fixtures, materials, equipment, and signs used in the operation of the Boulder Designs business, franchisees must adhere to the specifications and quality standards established by Boulder Designs and purchase from approved suppliers and manufacturers, as outlined in the manuals. If a franchisee wishes to purchase items from an unapproved source for which Boulder Designs has identified an approved supplier, they must first request approval from Boulder Designs. Boulder Designs may require inspection of the supplier's facilities and submission of information, specifications, and samples for testing. Boulder Designs will notify the franchisee of its decision within 90 days, and failure to receive approval within this timeframe is deemed a denial. Upon written acceptance and approval, the supplier will be added to the Approved Suppliers List, allowing the franchisee to purchase from them.