What assistance does Buff City Soap provide in selecting sites for my Franchised Location?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will designate the territory for your Franchised Location. (Franchise Agreement Sections 2 and 3)
We will provide you with advice and consultation in the selection of sites for Franchised Location(s) through the use of the site selection and evaluation forms, criteria and supporting materials that we make available to franchisees. (Franchise Agreement Section 5(a); Development Agreement Section 5(a))
We will review the information you submit for each proposed site for a Franchised Location, conduct any investigation of the proposed site we deem appropriate to evaluate the site, and accept or reject the site. (Franchise Agreement Section 5(b); Development Agreement Section 5(b))
We will accept or reject each site within 30 days after your submission of all initial and supplemental information we request regarding a proposed site. If we accept the site, we will give you notice of any remaining conditions to that acceptance. Under the Development Agreement, we will tender the Franchise Agreement for the accepted site. (Franchise Agreement Section 5(b); Development Agreement Sections 5(b), 5(c), 5(d))
We reserve the right to review, and in our reasonable judgment, approve each letter of intent, lease, sublease or purchase agreement (and any renewals and amendments thereof) that will govern your acquisition, occupancy and/or lawful possession of the Makery premises. (Franchise Agreement Section 5(c))
We will provide you with our standards for finishes, specifications for layout of the interior, mechanical and electrical systems, equipment, décor and ironwork and signs for a prototype Franchised Business that we make available to franchisees. (Franchise Agreement Section 5(e)). We provide the specifications and a list of vendors. We provide assistance with acquiring an identifying what you need to order. You are responsible for ordering equipment, signs, fixtures, opening inventory and supplies. You will pay the vendors directly. We do not deliver or install any items.
We will review your site plan and final plans and specifications for conformity to System Standards. (Franchise Agreement Section 5(e))
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 35–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is primarily responsible for site selection. However, Buff City Soap does offer some assistance in this process. Specifically, Buff City Soap will designate the territory for the Franchised Location.
Buff City Soap provides advice and consultation to franchisees in the selection of sites through site selection and evaluation forms, criteria, and supporting materials. The franchisee is responsible for submitting information for each proposed site, which Buff City Soap will then review and investigate as deemed necessary. Buff City Soap has the right to accept or reject the proposed site based on its analysis of how the site criteria enhance brand awareness and goodwill in the specific market.
Buff City Soap commits to making a decision on the site within 30 days of receiving all required information. If the site is accepted, Buff City Soap will notify the franchisee of any remaining conditions. Additionally, Buff City Soap reserves the right to approve the letter of intent, lease, sublease, or purchase agreement for the premises. The franchisor will also provide standards for finishes, layout specifications, mechanical and electrical systems, equipment, décor, ironwork, and signs for a prototype Franchised Business, along with a list of vendors.
Buff City Soap will review the franchisee's site plan and final plans to ensure they conform to System Standards. However, the FDD explicitly states that Buff City Soap is not obligated to provide assistance in locating a site, negotiating the lease, conforming the premises to local codes, obtaining permits, constructing, remodeling, decorating, or providing necessary equipment, signs, fixtures, opening inventory, and supplies. The franchisee must propose a site within 60 days of the Franchise Agreement's effective date and secure the right to occupy it within 30 days of Buff City Soap's approval. Failure to do so may result in termination of the Franchise Agreement.