Does Bumper Man currently require franchisees to contribute to an advertising fund?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ise fee.
Advertising:
We have no obligation to conduct advertising, although we reserve the right to advertise nationally through our website and social media platforms. We also reserve the right to conduct regional or local advertising. Any such advertising will be conducted at our sole cost and expense. We retain sole control over the creative concepts, materials and endorsements used to promote the Bumper Man system and their geographic, market and media placement and allocation. At present, we do not require you to contribute to any advertising fund. We reserve the right to establish an advertising fund in the future. You must participate in any advertising fund we establish. In our experience, Bumper Man franchisees have experienced the highest return on investment by engaging in local marketing by making personal sales calls and establishing Bumper Man brand recognition in their Designated Areas. We will provide, upon your request and at your cost and expense, promotional materials to be used in connection with such local marketing efforts. You may create and use your own advertising materials only with our prior written approval.
Advertising Cooperatives:
Currently, there is no established advertising council comprised of franchisees that advise us on advertising policies although we may informally consult franchisees in connection with marketing, promotional or advertising initiatives.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not currently required to contribute to an advertising fund. Bumper Man retains the right to advertise nationally through its website and social media platforms, as well as conduct regional or local advertising, at its own expense. The franchisor maintains sole control over the creative aspects, materials, and media placement of any advertising efforts.
However, Bumper Man reserves the right to establish an advertising fund in the future, and if such a fund is created, franchisee participation will be mandatory. The FDD indicates that Bumper Man believes franchisees achieve the best return on investment through local marketing efforts, such as personal sales calls to build brand recognition within their designated areas. Promotional materials are available from Bumper Man at the franchisee's expense to support these local marketing activities. Franchisees must obtain prior written approval from Bumper Man before creating and using their own advertising materials.
Currently, there is no advertising council comprised of franchisees that advises Bumper Man on advertising policies, although the franchisor may informally consult with franchisees regarding marketing, promotional, or advertising initiatives. This means that while franchisees aren't obligated to contribute to a fund right now, they should be prepared for the possibility of mandatory contributions in the future and should factor this potential cost into their financial planning. They should also be prepared to engage in local marketing efforts to promote their Bumper Man business.