Does Deck Medic grant franchisees an exclusive territory?

According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory. While Deck Medic grants the right to develop and operate a business within a designated operating territory, franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, outlets that Deck Medic owns, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands that Deck Medic controls. However, Deck Medic states that, during the term of the Franchise Agreement, provided the franchisee is not in default, Deck Medic will not open or grant another franchisee the right to open a Deck Medic Business within the franchisee's Operating Territory, except for certain reserved rights.

The Operating Territory generally consists of a geographic area with a population ranging between 400,000 to 600,000 people. Deck Medic and its affiliates retain the exclusive right to engage in certain activities without compensating the franchisee, including operating Deck Medic Businesses outside the franchisee's Operating Territory, affiliating with other businesses, and using the Licensed Marks and System to distribute services through alternative channels like the internet or corporate accounts.

Deck Medic franchisees must operate and provide services exclusively within their Operating Territory and target their marketing accordingly. Direct solicitation of customers outside the territory is prohibited. However, with written approval, franchisees may provide services in an Open Area, defined as a geographic area not assigned to another franchisee and within a 10-mile radius of their Operating Territory. Once an Open Area becomes assigned to another franchisee, the original franchisee must cease providing services there and turn over customer information. Deck Medic also retains the right to solicit or accept orders from customers within a franchisee's territory through other channels of distribution without compensation to the franchisee.