What is required of a Boulder Designs franchisee regarding social media content before its first use?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor has the sole right to maintain Social Media sites and/or applications including, but not limited to: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites or applications that Franchisor may establish. Franchisor will allow Franchisee to establish or utilize Social Media sites or applications for business purposes provided that all content is pre-approved by the Franchisor prior to first use and must meet Franchisor's specifications and System Standards. Franchisee and Franchisee's employees do not have the right to utilize the Marks on any Social Media sites and/or applications, even if made from a personal Social Media account. Further, any representations from Franchisee or Franchisee's employees regarding Franchisee's profits or earnings made on any Social Media site or application, even if made from a personal Social Media account, is deemed a breach of Confidential Information under this Franchise Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee establishes or utilizes social media sites or applications for business purposes, all content must be pre-approved by Boulder Designs prior to its first use and must meet Boulder Designs' specifications and System Standards. This requirement applies to various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as any other sites or applications that Boulder Designs may establish.
This means that a Boulder Designs franchisee cannot independently post content related to their franchise on social media without first obtaining permission from the franchisor. This pre-approval process ensures that all social media content aligns with Boulder Designs' brand image, marketing strategies, and overall System Standards. It also allows Boulder Designs to maintain control over the information disseminated about the franchise and to prevent any unauthorized or misleading representations.
Furthermore, the FDD states that franchisees and their employees do not have the right to utilize the Marks on any Social Media sites and/or applications, even if made from a personal Social Media account. Any representations from franchisee or franchisee's employees regarding franchisee's profits or earnings made on any Social Media site or application, even if made from a personal Social Media account, is deemed a breach of Confidential Information under this Franchise Agreement. This restriction extends to personal social media accounts, highlighting the importance of adhering to the franchisor's guidelines even when using personal platforms.
This policy is fairly common in franchising, as franchisors seek to protect their brand and ensure consistent messaging across all franchise locations. Prospective Boulder Designs franchisees should carefully review the franchisor's social media guidelines and understand the pre-approval process to avoid any potential breaches of the franchise agreement.