Is a Casiola franchisee restricted in who they can sell products and services to?

According to Casiola's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's sales are generally restricted to their Operating Market. While franchisees are not explicitly limited in who they can sell to, they must operate and provide services to customers located within their designated Operating Market. This means Casiola franchisees must primarily focus their sales and marketing efforts within their assigned territory.

Casiola franchisees may be able to provide services to customers in an "Open Area"—a region within a 10-mile radius of their Operating Market that isn't assigned to another franchisee—provided they don't directly solicit customers there and comply with all other agreement terms. However, Casiola can direct a franchisee to stop serving an Open Area at any time. If an Open Area becomes an Assigned Area, the franchisee must cease communication with customers in that area and turn over all customer information to Casiola or another franchisee.

Casiola also retains the right to engage in activities that might compete with a franchisee's business, such as servicing corporate accounts within the franchisee's territory or using other distribution channels like the internet. These activities can occur without compensation to the franchisee. Casiola may also establish Corporate Accounts Programs, offering franchisees the opportunity to participate under specific guidelines and pricing. However, franchisees can refuse to participate, in which case Casiola can service those accounts directly or authorize others to do so.