Who pays for the first four hours of mediation in a Bumble Roofing franchise dispute?

According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Bumble Roofing will cover the costs for the first four hours of mediation in the event of a dispute. The FDD specifies that all parties are required to attend mediation, but there is no obligation for the mediation to extend beyond the initial four-hour period.

This arrangement offers a potential cost-saving benefit to the franchisee, as Bumble Roofing assumes the financial responsibility for the initial phase of dispute resolution. This could encourage franchisees to engage in mediation as a first step in resolving conflicts, potentially avoiding more costly and time-consuming arbitration or litigation.

It's important to note that this coverage is limited to the first four hours. Any mediation extending beyond this timeframe would likely require the parties to agree on cost-sharing arrangements. Additionally, the FDD outlines exceptions where mediation is not required, such as disputes involving amounts owed to Bumble Roofing, unauthorized use of trademarks or confidential information, or when Bumble Roofing seeks injunctive relief.