Is a Brain Balance franchisee required to purchase all printed materials from the approved vendor?

According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase all printed materials from an approved vendor. Specifically, the FDD states that Brain Balance has created a brand identity for marketing and advertising materials, and these must be purchased from their approved vendor. This requirement extends to all printed materials used both within the Brain Balance center and for any marketing activities.

This mandate ensures brand consistency across all Brain Balance locations and marketing efforts. By requiring franchisees to use the approved vendor, Brain Balance maintains control over the quality and presentation of its brand. While this might limit a franchisee's flexibility in choosing vendors or negotiating prices, it helps to ensure a uniform brand image.

While Brain Balance generally does not approve alternate vendors for goods and services, franchisees can request approval of an alternate supplier. The franchisee must provide a description of the item or service and identify the alternate supplier. Brain Balance has the right to require a sample of the item or access to the service, at the franchisee's cost, to enable evaluation. Brain Balance will evaluate the proposed supplier when sufficient information has been provided, and will notify the franchisee within 30 days regarding whether they have approved the request.

It is important for prospective Brain Balance franchisees to factor in these required purchases when assessing the overall cost of establishing and operating a franchise. The FDD indicates that expenditures from all required purchases will be approximately 10%-15% of the total costs in establishing and operating the franchised business, and represents 10%-15% of expenses while operating the franchised business on an ongoing basis.