Is Buff City Soap obligated to maintain the Intranet platform indefinitely?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may, at our option, establish and maintain a communication and collaboration platform ("Intranet") through which you and we may communicate. We will have control over all aspects of the Intranet. At our option, we may post, update and disseminate the Manual and other confidential information through the Intranet. The Intranet platform and all communications that are posted or to be posted to it will become our sole property. If established, we will have no obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely, and we may modify or dismantle it at any time. (Franchise Agreement Section 8(d))
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 35–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Buff City Soap Franchise Disclosure Document, Buff City Soap is not obligated to maintain the Intranet platform indefinitely. Buff City Soap may choose to establish and maintain a communication and collaboration platform, referred to as the "Intranet," for communication between the company and its franchisees. Buff City Soap will have control over all aspects of the Intranet, and may post, update, and disseminate the Manual and other confidential information through it.
However, Buff City Soap has no obligation to maintain the Intranet indefinitely. The FDD states that Buff City Soap may modify or dismantle the Intranet at any time, at its option.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while an Intranet platform may be a valuable tool for communication and access to important documents like the Makery Reference Manual, its availability is not guaranteed. Buff City Soap can choose to discontinue or alter the Intranet at any time, which could impact how franchisees receive updates and communicate with the company.