What is a City Publications franchisee prohibited from dealing with in blast emails to other franchisees?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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, franchisees are restricted in their use of email addresses obtained from the franchisor. Specifically, if a City Publications franchisee receives a list of email addresses of residents within their exclusive territory, that list remains the property of the franchisor.
The franchisee is prohibited from using this email list without the express approval of City Publications. This means a franchisee cannot independently send out email blasts or other communications to these residents without prior authorization.
City Publications retains the right to manage these email communications directly. The franchisor can require that any email blast or similar communication to residents within a franchisee's territory be done by the franchisor on behalf of the franchisee. In such cases, the franchisee will be required to compensate City Publications according to the franchisor's fee arrangements for these services. This policy ensures that all email marketing efforts are controlled and consistent with the brand's overall strategy and messaging.