What are the Buildingstars franchisee's obligations regarding advertising (Item 9) and how does this relate to the restrictions on sources of products and services (Item 8)?
Buildingstars Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Obligation | Section in Franchise Agreements | Disclosure Document Item |
|---|---|---|
| (b) Pre-opening purchases/leases | Section VII.C | Items 5,7, 8 and 11 |
| (c) Site development and other pre-opening | Section VII.A | Items 7, 8 and 11 |
| requirements | ||
| (i) Restrictions on products/services offered | Section VII.C | Items 8, 11, 12 and 16 |
| (l) Ongoing product/service purchases | Section VII.C | Items 6 and 8 |
| (m) Maintenance, appearance and remodeling | None | Items 8 and 11 |
| requirements | ||
| (n) Insurance | Section VII.D. | Items 6, 7 and 8 |
| (o) Advertising | Section VII.C. | Items 6 and 11 |
FRANCHISEE shall not advertise in a deceptive, misleading, or unethical manner; shall only make those promises, representations, and guarantees to Customers, and others at the Business authorized by BUILDINGSTARS; preserve good Customer relations; render competent, prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable service; and meet such minimum standards as BUILDINGSTARS may establish from time to time in the Confidential Operations Manual.
FRANCHISEE recognizes that it is not permitted to use the System or Marks in connection with the sale of any products or services other than the cleaning business.
If a Customer requests that FRANCHISEE render any services or sell any products that are not of the type that is normally rendered in connection with the System, FRANCHISEE must first notify BUILDINGSTARS and obtain approval from BUILDINGSTARS.
In the event that FRANCHISEE wishes to advertise its Business, FRANCHISEE must submit all of its own advertising and sale promotion materials (including Internet advertising) to BUILDINGSTARS for prior consent.
If BUILDINGSTARS does not consent to the advertising within 20 days after receipt of the advertising, said advertising is deemed acceptable.
FRANCHISEE shall not advertise or use in advertising or other form of promotion, the Marks without the appropriate copyright, trademark, and service mark registration symbols for those marks which are registered and without BUILDINGSTARS' consent.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buildingstars's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees face specific obligations regarding advertising and restrictions on the products and services they can offer. Buildingstars franchisees must submit all advertising and sales promotion materials, including internet advertising, to Buildingstars for prior approval. If Buildingstars does not respond within 20 days of receipt, the advertising is considered acceptable. Franchisees are prohibited from advertising or using Buildingstars's trademarks without proper registration symbols and the company's consent. These stipulations ensure that all advertising aligns with Buildingstars's brand standards and legal requirements.
Buildingstars franchisees are restricted from using the Buildingstars system or marks to sell products or services outside of the core cleaning business. If a customer requests services or products not typically associated with the Buildingstars system, the franchisee must seek approval from Buildingstars. Approval will generally be granted if the requested services do not interfere with the franchise's standard offerings, are not associated with Buildingstars's marks or system, and the franchisee can provide them competently, while ensuring the customer understands these services are separate from the franchise. Buildingstars retains the right to object to future requests, even if previous requests were approved.
Item 9 of the FDD outlines the franchisee's obligations, referencing Section VII.C of the franchise agreement for advertising and Items 8, 11, 12, and 16 for restrictions on products/services offered. Item 8 of the FDD is referenced in the table in Item 9, specifically regarding pre-opening purchases/leases, site development, ongoing product/service purchases, maintenance, appearance, remodeling requirements and insurance. These cross-references highlight the interconnectedness of various sections of the franchise agreement and FDD, emphasizing the importance of understanding the entire document. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these sections to fully grasp their obligations and limitations.