What is the dependency for the Franchisor's consent to the development of the Makery for a Buff City Soap franchise?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (3) Franchisee will obtain services as needed only from registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors that meet the Standards for the development, construction and equipping of the Makery. To the extent Franchisee desires to obtain services from an architect, engineer or contractor not already approved by Franchisor, Franchisee will submit to Franchisor the information and documentation set forth in the Manuals regarding the training, experience and financial responsibility of the registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors whom Franchisee desires to retain to prepare the plans and construct the Makery, along with copies of all proposed contracts with such architects, engineers and contractors, and any other information requested by Franchisor. In connection with Franchisor's review of any such architect, engineer or contractor, Franchisee will pay Franchisor's costs and expenses in connection with the same. Franchisee will not commence construction of the Makery until Franchisor has consented to Franchisee's use of the registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors who will prepare the plans and construct the Makery.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 69–186)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buff City Soap Franchise Disclosure Document, before a franchisee can commence construction of their Makery, they must first obtain consent from Buff City Soap regarding the architects, engineers, and contractors they plan to use. This consent is contingent on the franchisee submitting detailed information about these professionals.
Specifically, Buff City Soap requires information and documentation outlined in their manuals concerning the training, experience, and financial responsibility of the registered architects, engineers, and licensed contractors. Franchisees must also provide copies of all proposed contracts with these professionals and any other information requested by Buff City Soap.
Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for covering Buff City Soap's costs and expenses associated with reviewing these architects, engineers, and contractors. This requirement ensures that Buff City Soap maintains control over the quality and standards of construction, which is crucial for maintaining brand consistency and minimizing potential issues during the development phase. This is a fairly common practice in franchising, as franchisors want to ensure that the franchisee is using qualified professionals to build out their location.