Does advertising via email by a City Publications franchisee require approval?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall not use any domain name or other identification except the domain name provided by the Franchisor for e-mail and other electronic communications for the franchise. All materials provided by the franchisee to the advertisers and prospects must meet the criteria set by the Franchisor. Any advertising via e-mail must be approved by the Franchisor. It is further agreed that from time to time, Franchisee may receive email addresses of residents within Franchisee's Exclusive Territory. It is agreed that any such list of those email addresses belongs to Franchisor, and Franchisee may not make any use of such list or addresses without the express approval of Franchisor. Franchisor has the right to require that any email blast or similar communication to such persons be done by the Franchisor, on behalf of the Franchisee, and the Franchisor will be compensated by Franchisee in accordance with Franchisor's fee arrangements for such services
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, any advertising via email by a franchisee must be approved by City Publications. The FDD also states that City Publications may provide franchisees with email addresses of residents within the franchisee's exclusive territory. However, this list of email addresses remains the property of City Publications, and the franchisee cannot use it without express approval.
City Publications retains the right to require that any email blast or similar communication to these residents be done by City Publications on behalf of the franchisee. In this case, the franchisee will compensate City Publications according to their fee arrangements for such services. This ensures that all email marketing aligns with City Publications' standards and protects the brand's reputation.
This requirement gives City Publications control over email marketing content and ensures brand consistency. It also allows City Publications to potentially generate additional revenue by managing email campaigns for franchisees. For a prospective franchisee, this means they must factor in the time and potential costs associated with obtaining approval for email advertising or using City Publications' email marketing services.