What rights does Bumper Man have regarding information, specifications, and samples from a potential supplier?
Bumper_Man Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If we require that an item be purchased from an approved supplier and you wish to purchase it from a supplier we have not approved, you must submit to us a written request for approval, and must include pertinent information about the supplier as required in the Manual. You may not purchase or lease the item from the supplier until and unless we have approved the supplier in writing. We have the right to require you to submit information, specifications, and samples to us to enable us to determine whether the item complies with our standards and specifications and that the supplier meets our criteria. We also have the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and to have samples from the supplier delivered to us or to any independent laboratory we designate for testing. We may condition our approval of a supplier on requirements relating to product quality, prices, consistency, reliability, financial compatibility, labor relations, client relations, frequency of delivery, concentration of purchases, standards of service (including prompt attention to complaints) or other criteria. We may re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier, and we may revoke our approval upon the suppliers' failure to continue to meet any of our then-current criteria. You must reimburse us for the costs that we incur in the supplier approval process. We are not required to approve any particular supplier. We will notify you of our approval or disapproval within 30 days. Our specifications for products and services and criteria for supplier approval are generally issues through written communications and are available to franchisees and approved suppliers.
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, if a franchisee wants to purchase an item from a supplier not already approved by Bumper Man, the franchisee must first submit a written request for approval. This request must include information about the supplier as required in the Manual. The franchisee cannot purchase the item from the unapproved supplier unless Bumper Man provides written approval.
Bumper Man has the right to require the franchisee to submit information, specifications, and samples to assess whether the item meets Bumper Man's standards and if the supplier meets their criteria. Bumper Man also has the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and to have samples delivered to them or an independent laboratory for testing. Bumper Man can condition supplier approval on requirements related to product quality, prices, consistency, reliability, financial compatibility, labor and client relations, delivery frequency, purchase concentration, and service standards.
Bumper Man retains the right to re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier and can revoke approval if the supplier fails to meet their current criteria. The franchisee is responsible for reimbursing Bumper Man for the costs incurred during the supplier approval process. Bumper Man is not obligated to approve any particular supplier and will notify the franchisee of their decision within 30 days. Specifications for products and services, along with supplier approval criteria, are generally communicated in writing and are accessible to franchisees and approved suppliers.