Where does mediation and arbitration take place for Bumble Roofing franchise disputes?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Provision | Section in Franchise Agreement or Other Agreement | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| q. | Non-competition covenants during the term of the franchise | Section 14 of Franchise Agreement | No involvement in Competitive Business. A "Competitive Business" is any business offering and selling roofing installation, maintenance, and repairs, and related products and services, for residential and commercial customers. |
| r. | Non-competition covenants after the franchise is terminated or expires | Sections 14, 17 of Franchise Agreement | Franchise Agreement: No Competitive Business for 2 years (i) in the Territory or any other Franchisee's Territory; (ii) 10 miles of the Territory or any other Franchisee's Territory or (iii) 10 miles of any of our or our affiliate owned Roofing Business. |
| S. | Modification of the agreement | Sections 2.3, 7.3 & 20.11 of Franchise Agreement | Franchise Agreement: No modifications of Franchise Agreement during term unless mutually agreed upon in writing, but Operating Manual subject to change. Modifications permitted on renewal. |
| t. | Integration/merger clause | Section 20.5 of Franchise Agreement | Only the terms of the franchise agreement are binding (subject to state law). Any representations or promises outside of the disclosure document, franchise agreement may not be enforceable. |
| u. | Dispute resolution by arbitration or mediation | Section 19 of Franchise Agreement | Except for certain claims, all disputes must first be submitted to non-binding mediation, and if unsuccessful, then arbitrated in Virginia, subject to state law |
| v. | Choice of forum | Sections 19.1 & 20.1 | Mediation and arbitration must be in Virginia, subject to state law |
| w. | Choice of law | Sections 19.1 & 20.1 of Franchise Agreement | Virginia law applies, subject to state law. |
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 43–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, mediation and arbitration typically occur in Virginia, as outlined in Sections 19.1 and 20.1 of the Franchise Agreement. However, this is subject to state law, which means that the specific location could be modified based on the franchisee's state.
For instance, the Washington Addendum specifies that for franchises purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington, or a location mutually agreed upon, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator. Similarly, the Illinois Addendum indicates that while a franchise agreement may provide for arbitration outside of Illinois, any provision designating jurisdiction or venue outside the state is void under the Illinois Franchise Disclosure Act.
Therefore, prospective Bumble Roofing franchisees should be aware that while the standard agreement specifies Virginia as the location for dispute resolution, state-specific addenda may override this provision. It is crucial to review the addendum for the franchisee's specific state to understand their rights and the applicable dispute resolution procedures.