Is a Deck Medic Franchisee required to participate in programs instituted by the National Advertising Fund?

According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to participate in all advertising, marketing, promotions, research, and public relations programs instituted by the National Advertising Fund. This means that if a National Advertising Fund exists, Deck Medic franchisees must take part in its initiatives.

The National Advertising Fund is supported by a mandatory and continuing fee, which is a percentage of the franchisee's Gross Sales. While the exact percentage is determined by Deck Medic, the FDD states that franchisees will not be required to contribute more than 5% of their Gross Sales to the National Advertising Fund for each monthly accounting period. Deck Medic will provide written notice to the franchisee specifying the percentage of Gross Sales required for contribution, and this percentage will remain applicable until otherwise designated in writing by Deck Medic.

Deck Medic has sole discretion over the strategic direction, creative concepts, materials, and endorsements used by the National Advertising Fund, as well as the geographic, market, and media placement and allocation. The funds can be used for various purposes, including evaluating and monitoring Business Management Systems, maintaining and upgrading the System Website, and developing Digital Media. However, the National Advertising Fund will not be used to directly market or promote an individual franchised business or pay for media placements that may benefit or include the franchisee's Administrative Office or Operating Territory, unless otherwise directed by Deck Medic.

Franchisees should be aware that Deck Medic businesses owned by the franchisor or its affiliates are not required to pay any National Advertising Fund Fee or contribute to the National Advertising Fund. Additionally, Deck Medic does not guarantee that expenditures from the National Advertising Fund will be proportionate to the contributions from Deck Medic businesses in any specific geographic area, nor does it ensure that any Deck Medic business will directly benefit from the advertising and marketing materials in proportion to its contribution.