For a Cool Binz franchise purchased in Washington, where will arbitration or mediation take place?
Cool_Binz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 63–238)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cool Binz's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, for any franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in the state of Washington. However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule. The location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Also, the arbitrator or mediator can determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This means that if a Cool Binz franchisee in Washington has a dispute with the company that goes to arbitration or mediation, the proceedings will generally occur within Washington state. However, the franchisee has some flexibility. They can agree to a different location with Cool Binz, or the arbitrator/mediator can decide on a different location.
It is important to note that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.