Must a Bumper Man franchisee follow the standards and specifications established for the supplies, equipment, tools, computer hardware and software required for the operation of the Bumper Business?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ipment to us.
You must follow the standards and specifications we establish for the supplies, equipment, tools, computer hardware and software required for the operation of the Bumper Business. You must purchase from us or from suppliers we approve or designate: (1) Bumper Man tools and equipment; (2) iPad or tablet; (3) software programs used for invoicing and operations of the Bumper Business; (4) advertising, marketing, and promotional materials; (5) stationary; (6) stickers bearing our Marks; and (7) all other goods and services as we may require from time to time. Information concerning approved and designated suppliers will be communicated to you via the Manual, which may include the standards and specification for certain non-proprietary products, services, and equipment.
We are currently the only approved supplier for the trademarked and logo items used in the operation of the Bumper Business, including uniforms, advertising, promotional and marketing items. We provide to you at no additional cost (except for reimbursement of shipping costs and expenses incurred by us) your initial supply of such uniforms, advertising, promotional and marketing items. You may (and we recommend but do not require you to) purchase supplemental advertising, promotional and marketing items, some of which you will purchase from us at our cost. In addition, you may, at your option purchase apparel and other Bumper Man branded merchandise from us at our cost. We control the purchase of these items to assure protection of our trademarks, trade secret rights and for quality control and uniformity of products and services within the Bumper Man system.
You must purchase a vehicle that meets the standards and specifications set forth in the Franchise Agreement and Manual for the operation of your Bumper Business. The vehicle from which you perform bumper repair and refinishing services is integral to the Bumper Man brand as a mobile bumper repair service provider, and any modifications to your vehicle must be approved by us in advance in writing.
At least two weeks prior to the date upon which we approve you to commence operation of your Bumper Business, you must obtain all required insurance policies. The insurance carrier must be rated A+ or better by A.M. Best Company and be authorized to transact business in the state where the Designated Area is located and the policies must: (1) include a waiver of subrogation provision or endorsement in favor of us; (2) be primary and non-contributory to any other insurance that we have procured for ourselves; and (3) provide for 30 days' prior written notice to us of any material modification, cancellation, or expiration of such policy. The endorsements must not contain language that limits the liability afforded to us to any amount less than the amount stated on the declarations page of each policy. No insurance policy will contain a provision that in any way limits or reduces
coverage for you in the event of a claim by us. Such insurance coverage will not include an insured versus insured exclusion or any exclusion that prevents coverage of a claim by one insured against another. All insurance coverage will include a separation of insureds provision. All insurance coverage will identify as an additional insured Bumper Man, Inc., 1432 Airport Blvd, Mesquite, TX, 75181.
As of the issuance date of this disclosure document, you are required to obtain the following insurance policies: (1) Garage Liability Insurance policy with a minimum each occurrence policy limit of $1,000,000; (2) Garage Keepers Insurance policy with a required limit per vehicle of $50,000; and (3) Commercial Vehicle Insurance policy with a combined single policy limit of $500,000. You must provide certificates of insurance, copies of insurance and other related documentation that we may request evidencing that you have the required insurance prior to beginning operation of your Bumper Business, annually upon the renewal of each policy and in the event of any change to any policy. We reserve the right to modify the insurance requirements at any time, and any such modifications will be described in the Manual.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the standards and specifications set by Bumper Man for all supplies, equipment, tools, computer hardware, and software necessary to run their Bumper Business. Franchisees are required to purchase specific items from Bumper Man or its approved suppliers, including Bumper Man tools and equipment, iPads or tablets, software for invoicing and operations, advertising and marketing materials, stationery, stickers bearing Bumper Man's trademarks, and any other goods and services that Bumper Man may require.
The FDD specifies that Bumper Man is currently the only approved supplier for Bumper Man tools and equipment. The initial set of tools and equipment is provided on loan for the duration of the franchise agreement. If any of these items are lost or damaged, the franchisee must purchase replacements from Bumper Man or its designated supplier. Upon termination or transfer of the franchise agreement, all Bumper Man tools and equipment must be returned.
If a franchisee wishes to purchase an item from a supplier not already approved by Bumper Man, they must submit a written request for approval, including pertinent information about the supplier as required in the Manual. The franchisee cannot purchase or lease the item from the unapproved supplier unless Bumper Man provides written approval. Bumper Man has the right to request information, specifications, and samples to determine if the item complies with their standards and specifications and if the supplier meets their criteria. Bumper Man may also inspect the supplier's facilities and require samples for testing, with the franchisee responsible for reimbursing Bumper Man for the costs incurred during the supplier approval process.
Bumper Man estimates that required purchases and leases from approved suppliers will constitute the substantial majority of all purchases by the franchisee to establish the Bumper Business, with approximately 80% of the initial investment comprised of these required purchases. Furthermore, up to 1% of the franchisee's expenditures to operate the Bumper Business will be comprised of required purchases and leases of products and services. Franchisees should carefully consider these requirements and costs when evaluating the Bumper Man franchise opportunity.