How long does Canopy Lawn Care have to notify a franchisee of the approval or disapproval of an alternative supplier?
Canopy_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Franchisor has a designated supplier for any product and Franchisee wants to purchase a product from a supplier that does not appear on Franchisor's designated supplier list or use a product that is not on Franchisor's approved-product list, Franchisee must first furnish Franchisor samples of the product from the supplier, together with as much information as Franchisee can gather about the product's composition, properties and intended uses; the results of lab and field tests on its use; the manufacturer's location, years in business, quality control standards and warranty policies; and such other information as Franchisor requests.
Franchisor may evaluate designated suppliers based on price, service, quality, warranty, delivery terms, and other commercially reasonable benchmarks as it determines in its sole discretion.
Any preferred or required suppliers will be specified in the Operations Manual.
Franchisor will notify Franchisee within 90 days of Franchisee's request to evaluate an alternative supplier of Franchisor's approval or disapproval of that supplier.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 55)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Canopy Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase a product from a supplier that is not on Canopy Lawn Care's designated supplier list or use a product that is not on their approved-product list, the franchisee must first furnish Canopy Lawn Care with samples and information about the product and supplier.
After receiving the franchisee's request to evaluate an alternative supplier, Canopy Lawn Care will notify the franchisee within 90 days of their approval or disapproval of that supplier. Canopy Lawn Care may evaluate designated suppliers based on price, service, quality, warranty, delivery terms, and other commercially reasonable benchmarks as it determines in its sole discretion.
This means that a Canopy Lawn Care franchisee is not free to choose any supplier they want. Canopy Lawn Care retains control over the supply chain, which is a fairly common practice in franchising. This allows Canopy Lawn Care to maintain quality control and consistency across all franchise locations. However, it also means that franchisees may not be able to take advantage of potentially lower prices or better terms from alternative suppliers without Canopy Lawn Care's approval.