If a Buona franchisee wants to use an unapproved supplier, who is responsible for submitting the written request for approval?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you desire to purchase any such items from an unapproved supplier, you or the supplier must submit to us a written request for approval. We may require, as a condition of approval, that our representatives be permitted to inspect the supplier's facilities, and that samples from the supplier be delivered either to us or an independent laboratory we designate for testing prior to granting approval. Either you or the supplier must pay a charge not to exceed our reasonable cost of inspection and the actual cost of testing. We will notify you of approval or disapproval of a supplier within approximately 30 days. We do not provide our criteria for approving suppliers to our franchisees. We may re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier at any time and revoke our prior approval upon failure of such supplier to continue to meet our criteria for supplier approval.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 32–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, either the franchisee or the unapproved supplier is responsible for submitting a written request for approval to Buona. Buona may then require an inspection of the supplier's facilities and testing of samples at the expense of either the franchisee or the supplier. The cost of inspection cannot exceed Buona's reasonable cost, and the testing will be the actual cost of testing.
Buona will then notify the franchisee of the approval or disapproval of the supplier within approximately 30 days. However, Buona does not provide its criteria for approving suppliers to its franchisees. Buona retains the right to re-inspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier at any time and can revoke prior approval if the supplier fails to continue meeting Buona's criteria.
This requirement ensures that all suppliers meet Buona's standards, maintaining consistency and quality across all franchise locations. While the franchisee can request approval for alternative suppliers, Buona maintains control over the approval process and can change its approved supplier list at any time. This could potentially impact a franchisee's costs and supply chain if a previously approved supplier is later revoked.