Can the Bumble Roofing Franchisor modify the Manual, and if so, why?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
material breach of this Agreement. Franchisor reserves the right to provide the Manual and updates to the Manual in electronic form or other form determined by Franchisor. Franchisor shall have the right to modify the Manual from time to time to reflect changes in authorized Products and Services, business image or the operation of the Business. Some of the revisions to the Manual may include changes with respect to: (i) sales and marketing strategies; (ii) equipment and supplies; (iii) accounting and reporting systems and forms; (iv) insurance requirements; (v) operating procedures; (vi) required technology; (vii) Services; and (viii) Products.
- (i) Franchisee covenants to accept, implement and adopt any such modifications at its own cost, except as provided in Section 8.5 of this Agreement. Franchisee shall keep its Manual with replacement pages and insertions as instructed by Franchisor.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor has the right to modify the Manual from time to time. These modifications can reflect changes in authorized Products and Services, business image, or the operation of the Business. Revisions to the Manual may include changes to sales and marketing strategies, equipment and supplies, accounting and reporting systems and forms, insurance requirements, operating procedures, required technology, Services, and Products.
Bumble Roofing franchisees are obligated to accept, implement, and adopt these modifications at their own cost, except as provided in Section 8.5 of the Franchise Agreement. This section outlines specific circumstances where franchisees may be exempt from offering or selling new Services or Products if it results in a substantial capital improvement not contemplated in the agreement or Manual, or if it leads to a material reduction in sales or profitability for a majority of franchisees.
It is important for prospective Bumble Roofing franchisees to understand that compliance with the Manual's standards is mandatory, and failure to comply constitutes a material breach of the Franchise Agreement. The franchisor reserves the right to provide the Manual and its updates in electronic or other forms. Franchisees must keep their Manual up-to-date with replacement pages and insertions as instructed by Bumble Roofing.
This level of franchisor control over operating procedures is typical in franchising, as it ensures brand uniformity and consistency across all franchise locations. However, franchisees should carefully review Section 8.5 of the Franchise Agreement to understand their rights and obligations regarding modifications that may require significant investment or negatively impact their business's financial performance. Franchisees should also clarify with Bumble Roofing what constitutes "reasonable satisfaction" when demonstrating hardship or material reduction in sales or profitability.