Is the Designated Search Area for a Card My Yard franchise exclusive?

According to Card My Yard's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Designated Search Area is not exclusive. The document defines the Designated Search Area as a "non-exclusive geographic area" outlined in Exhibit C of the Franchise Agreement. Within this area, franchisees are permitted to find a location for their Card My Yard business.

This means that Card My Yard may allow other franchisees or even operate its own business within the same Designated Search Area. The franchisee only gains specific rights to a Protected Area after a site is selected and approved, as detailed in Exhibit C. The Designated Search Area loses its effect once the Franchise Location is established.

For a prospective franchisee, this non-exclusive nature of the Designated Search Area underscores the importance of securing a suitable Franchise Location promptly. Since other franchisees could potentially operate in the same initial search area, selecting and obtaining approval for a site becomes a priority to establish a Protected Area. This also highlights the need to carefully review Exhibit C of the Franchise Agreement to fully understand the boundaries and conditions related to both the Designated Search Area and the subsequent Protected Area.