Under what condition will Canine Dimensions not unreasonably withhold approval of a new supplier?
Canine_Dimensions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you want to purchase or lease any products, equipment, supplies, forms, marketing, supplies, advertising or services from a supplier, other than from us or our authorized supplier, you must first notify us and obtain our written approval. We will provide you with our specifications and standards for approval. We will review your request and we will respond to you in writing (typically by e-mail) regarding our approval or disapproval of the alternative supplier within 60 days after we have had the opportunity to test the item or supplier. We have no obligation to approve any request for a new supplier, product, or service, but we will not unreasonably withhold our approval if the item, product, or service is not one that we require you to purchase or obtain from our existing suppliers.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 14–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canine Dimensions's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees who wish to purchase or lease products, equipment, supplies, forms, marketing, advertising, or services from a supplier other than Canine Dimensions or its authorized suppliers must first seek written approval from Canine Dimensions. Canine Dimensions will provide its specifications and standards for approval and respond in writing, typically via email, within 60 days after having the opportunity to test the item or supplier.
Canine Dimensions is not obligated to approve any request for a new supplier, product, or service. However, Canine Dimensions will not unreasonably withhold approval if the item, product, or service is not one that franchisees are required to purchase or obtain from Canine Dimensions's existing suppliers. This suggests that franchisees have more flexibility in choosing suppliers for items that are not considered essential or proprietary to the Canine Dimensions system.
Prospective franchisees should note that Canine Dimensions retains significant control over the supply chain to maintain quality and uniformity. While franchisees can propose alternative suppliers for certain items, the approval process can take up to 60 days and involves testing. Franchisees will be required to pay the costs of testing. Canine Dimensions also reserves the right to re-inspect facilities and retest products of any approved supplier and to revoke approval if the supplier fails to continue to meet Canine Dimensions's standards. This ongoing oversight ensures compliance but also adds a layer of administrative burden for franchisees.
It is important for potential Canine Dimensions franchisees to understand the criteria Canine Dimensions uses for selecting approved suppliers. While the FDD states that Canine Dimensions does not make these criteria available to franchisees or suppliers, it does mention that supplier approval might depend on factors such as product quality, delivery frequency and reliability, service standards, financial capability, customer relations, and a supplier's willingness to pay Canine Dimensions or its affiliates for the right to do business with the Canine Dimensions system.