As a Buff City Soap franchisee, how must I identify myself as the owner of the Makery?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(a) Independent Contractors. It is understood and agreed by the Parties that this Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between them; that Franchisor and Franchisee are and will be independent contractors and that nothing in this Agreement is intended to make either Party a general or special agent, joint venturer, partner or employee of the other for any purpose. Franchisee will conspicuously identify itself in all dealings as the owner of the Makery and the rights granted under the Agreement with Franchisor and will place such notices of independent ownership on such forms, business cards, employment-related documents (e.g. employment applications and agreements, paychecks and benefits notice), stationery and advertising and other materials as Franchisor may periodically require. Franchisee must post a prominent sign in the Makery identifying Franchisee as a Buff City Soap franchisee in a format prescribed by Franchisor, including without limitation an acknowledgment that Franchisee independently owns and operate the Makery, the Marks are owned by Franchisor and that Franchisee's use of such Marks is pursuant to a license issued by Franchisor.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 69–186)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must conspicuously identify themselves as the owner of their Makery (store). This includes stating that they own the rights granted under the Franchise Agreement with Buff City Soap. This identification must be placed on various materials. These materials include forms, business cards, employment-related documents (such as applications, agreements, paychecks, and benefits notices), stationery, and advertising. The specific form and placement of these notices will be as required periodically by Buff City Soap.
In addition to the above, franchisees must also post a prominent sign within the Makery. This sign must identify the franchisee as a Buff City Soap franchisee and acknowledge that the franchisee independently owns and operates the Makery. The sign must also state that the trademarks are owned by Buff City Soap and that the franchisee's use of these trademarks is under a license issued by Buff City Soap. The format of this sign will be prescribed by Buff City Soap.
This requirement ensures that customers and employees understand the relationship between the franchisee and Buff City Soap. It clarifies that while the Makery operates under the Buff City Soap brand, it is independently owned and operated. This is a common practice in franchising, as it helps to protect the brand's trademarks and maintain a consistent image while also emphasizing the franchisee's role as an independent business owner.