Is the Bumper Man franchisee required to maintain a working telephone line at all times?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(c) Credit Card and Other Methods of Payment. Franchisor may, at its option, designate in writing credit and debit card issuers or sponsors check or credit verification services, financial center services, and electronic funds transfer systems, and upon any such designation by Franchisor, Franchisee must maintain credit card relationships with such credit and debit card issuers or sponsors check or credit verification services, financial center services, and/or electronic funds transfer systems in connection with the operation of the Bumper Business and refrain from using any services or providers that Franchisor has not approved in writing or for which Franchisor has revoked its approval. Franchisor may modify its requirements and designate additional approval or required methods of payment and vendors for
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 45–180)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Bumper Man Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee's obligation to maintain a working telephone line at all times is not explicitly stated. However, the document does state that Bumper Man may designate certain credit and debit card issuers, check or credit verification services, financial center services, and electronic funds transfer systems. If Bumper Man designates such services, the franchisee must maintain credit card relationships with them.
This implies that franchisees must have the means to process electronic payments if Bumper Man requires it. While not directly mentioning a telephone line, the requirement to maintain relationships with electronic payment services suggests the franchisee needs a reliable method for electronic communication and transactions.
To fully understand the requirements, a prospective Bumper Man franchisee should clarify with the franchisor whether a dedicated telephone line or other specific communication infrastructure is mandated for business operations, especially concerning payment processing and customer communication.