Is a Bumper Man franchisee allowed to engage in any co-branding?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (a) Standards. Franchisee understands the importance of maintaining uniformity among all of the Bumper Businesses and the importance of complying with the Standards relating to the operation of the Bumper Business. Franchisee may not engage in any cobranding in or with the Bumper Business or operate any other business during the Term (provided nothing contained in this Section 6(a) will prohibit Franchisee's Operating Principal (if Franchisee is an Entity) from engaging in another business that is not a Competitive Business during hours in which Customers within the Designated Area are not open for business for the purposes of supplemental income). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Franchisor may allow for a deviation from the Standards at its sole option.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 45–180)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bumper Man Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from engaging in co-branding activities. The franchise agreement emphasizes the importance of maintaining uniformity across all Bumper Man businesses and adhering to the brand's operational standards. This restriction ensures that the Bumper Man brand maintains a consistent image and service quality across all locations.
However, there is a limited exception to this rule. The Operating Principal of a franchisee entity can engage in another business for supplemental income, provided that the other business is not a Competitive Business and operates outside the hours when Bumper Man customers in the Designated Area are open for business. This exception allows for some flexibility for the franchisee's Operating Principal to pursue other income-generating activities without directly conflicting with the Bumper Man business.
It's important to note that the franchisor retains the right to allow deviations from these standards at its sole discretion. This means that, in specific cases, Bumper Man may permit co-branding or other operational variations. Prospective franchisees should discuss any potential co-branding opportunities or other business ventures with the franchisor to determine if an exception to the standard policy is possible.