What constitutes advertising for a Clear Pest Pros franchise, specifically regarding membership rosters?

According to Clear Pest Pros's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, listings in membership rosters of organizations are considered advertising. This is significant for a prospective franchisee because it means that any listing of the Clear Pest Pros business in a membership directory—whether it's a local chamber of commerce, a trade association, or any other organization—falls under the advertising guidelines set by the franchisor. This has implications for where and how a franchisee can market their services, especially outside of their designated territory.

The FDD specifies that franchisees have the right to advertise and service customers within their territory. However, advertising outside of the territory is restricted. Franchisees may not advertise via print, media, or targeted web-based advertising outside of their territory without Clear Pest Pros's approval. The only exceptions are materials that reference only the Clear Pest Pros toll-free phone number or the home office address. Given that membership rosters are considered advertising, a franchisee must obtain approval before listing their Clear Pest Pros franchise in any membership roster that circulates outside their assigned territory.

Advertising or servicing outside of the designated territory without approval constitutes a default under the Franchise Agreement. This default can lead to penalties, including a fine of the greater of $500 or 50% of the job invoice amount on the default job. In more severe cases, it can even result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to adhere strictly to these advertising guidelines and to seek prior approval from Clear Pest Pros before engaging in any advertising activities, including membership roster listings, that extend beyond their territory.