Is Bumper Man's pricing considered confidential information?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Confidential Information means any and all information, knowledge, know-how, trade secrets, trade dress, methodologies, techniques, procedures, applications and materials, in whatever form, used in or related to the Bumper Man system which we provide to you, or which you or your affiliates or personnel develop or have access to, in connection with this Agreement or the operation of a Bumper Business hereunder, including, without limitation, the standards and specifications for the operation of a Bumper Business; the Manual; any services, products, designs, devices and tools (including the Hook Bar Tool), specifications, procedures, and techniques which are not in the public domain or generally known in the automotive collision repair industry and such other information and material as we may designate as confidential will be deemed confidential and trade secret for purposes of this Agreement; our pricing, technology, point of sale, and related computer software; advertising, marketing and promotional programs including customer reward programs; Customer Data; financial
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD pages 31–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumper Man's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, pricing is considered confidential and proprietary information. This means that the pricing strategies, structures, and specific price points used within the Bumper Man system are not for public knowledge and are protected as trade secrets. As a franchisee, you would be obligated to maintain the confidentiality of this information.
The FDD specifies that confidential information includes, but is not limited to, "our pricing, technology, point of sale, and related computer software." This indicates that Bumper Man considers its pricing models and the software used to manage transactions as integral to its competitive advantage. Franchisees gain access to this information as part of the franchise agreement but must keep it secret.
The implications of this confidentiality requirement are significant. Franchisees are prohibited from disclosing Bumper Man's pricing information to competitors or using it for any purpose other than operating their Bumper Man franchise. This restriction extends beyond the term of the franchise agreement, meaning that even after the agreement expires or is terminated, the franchisee must continue to protect this information. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as franchisors need to protect their business methods.