For a Deer Solution franchise purchased in Washington, where will arbitration or mediation take place?
Deer_Solution 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 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee purchases a Deer Solution franchise in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in the state of Washington. However, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. The arbitrator or mediator can also determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This amendment to the franchise agreement ensures that Washington franchisees are not forced to travel to a distant or inconvenient location for dispute resolution. It provides flexibility by allowing for mutual agreement or arbitrator/mediator determination, but establishes Washington as the default location.
This type of clause is important for franchisees as it protects them from potentially unfair or burdensome arbitration or mediation proceedings. Franchise agreements often include clauses about dispute resolution, and these clauses can vary widely. Franchisees should carefully review these clauses and understand their rights and obligations in the event of a dispute.