Can a Craters & Freighters franchisee advertise outside of their territory?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may develop advertising media for your own use, at your own cost providing all media is in compliance with current branding and System Standards. We must approve the advertising materials in advance and in writing. We do not have an advertising council composed of franchisees.
We have the sole right to market on the Internet and use our trademarks on the Internet, including all use of websites, domain names, URLs, directory addresses, email addresses, metatags, linking, advertising, cobranding and other arrangements, and in all other forms of electronic media. You may not separately register any domain name or any portion of a domain name containing our trademarks or participate or market on any website or other form of electronic media (including social technology, social media and social networking platforms) using our trademarks unless you first obtain written approval from us. Your general conduct on the Internet or other forms of electronic media, including your use of our trademarks or any advertising, is subject to the terms and conditions of the Franchise Agreement and any other rules, requirements or policies that we may identify from time to time.
Computer Systems and Software
We will grant you access to the Proprietary Software and select software. The Proprietary Software is designed to provide you assistance with customer relationship management, quoting process, job flow, custom container design, calendaring, reporting, and transportation management.
You will be responsible for purchasing any additional hardware, upgrades, software, Internet connection and service, dedicated telephone and power lines, and other computer related accessories, peripherals, and equipment. Currently, we require you to purchase data processing software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite products) and an accounting software program (e.g., QuickBooks Pro) to go along with our Proprietary Software. You will be responsible for maintaining a high-speed internet access for the computer system. You will be responsible for maintaining the one or more e-mail addresses assigned to you by us. You will use such e-mail address(es) at all times when communicating within the System and to the public." We currently estimate the costs of purchasing these items to range from approximately $2,000 to $4,000, but these estimated costs may change over time as technology changes.
You will be responsible for maintaining the computer system and software programs in good repair at your expense. We anticipate that you may be required to upgrade or update the computer system during the term of the franchise. We are not obligated to provide you with ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to your computer system.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees can develop their own advertising media at their own cost, provided it complies with current branding and System Standards. However, all advertising materials must receive advance written approval from Craters & Freighters.
Craters & Freighters retains the sole right to market on the Internet and use its trademarks online, including websites, domain names, URLs, email addresses, and social media. Franchisees cannot register domain names containing Craters & Freighters' trademarks or market on any website using those trademarks without prior written approval from Craters & Freighters. A franchisee's general conduct on the Internet, including advertising, is subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement and any other rules or policies Craters & Freighters may establish.
Craters & Freighters may designate geographic areas with two or more outlets as a region for establishing a Cooperative. If a Cooperative is established for the area where a franchisee's Craters & Freighters business is located, the franchisee must become a member and adhere to the Cooperative's rules. Cooperatives are designed to administer advertising programs and develop promotional materials for local advertising, subject to Craters & Freighters' approval. Cooperatives set their own fees, which cannot exceed 1% of Adjusted Gross Sales. These cooperatives require annual statements to be available for review by its members. Craters & Freighters reserves the right to form, change, dissolve, or merge any Cooperative at any time.