What are franchisees of Degree Wellness required to do to identify themselves as independent owners?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
8.3 Responsibility for Acts and Omissions; Indemnification.
- a. You acknowledge that you are the sole and independent owner of your Franchised Business, you are and will be in full control thereof, and you will conduct the business solely in accordance with your own judgment and discretion, subject only to the provisions of this Agreement. As indicated in Section 8.1, you must conspicuously identify yourself, internally and to third parties, as the independent owner of the Franchised Business and as a franchisee of Degree Wellness, and neither you nor any of your employees should represent to any third parties that you are employees or agents of Degree Wellness. You agree that as between you and us, you are solely responsible for the effects, outcomes and consequences of your acts and omissions and the acts and omissions of your employees, representatives and agents in connection with or relating to the operation of your Franchised Business.
- b. We will not assume any liability or be deemed liable for any agreements, representations, or warranties you make that are not expressly authorized under this Agreement, nor will we be obligated for any damages to any person or property directly or indirectly arising out
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 66–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must identify themselves as independent owners of their franchised business. This means a Degree Wellness franchisee must conspicuously make it known, both internally within their business and externally to customers and other third parties, that they are the independent owner of the Degree Wellness Studio and a franchisee of Degree Wellness.
Furthermore, the FDD states that neither the franchisee nor their employees should represent themselves as employees or agents of Degree Wellness. The franchisee is responsible for the outcomes and consequences of their actions, as well as the actions of their employees and agents, in connection with the operation of their Degree Wellness franchise.
This distinction is important because it clarifies that Degree Wellness is not liable for any unauthorized agreements, representations, or warranties made by the franchisee. Degree Wellness also will not be obligated for damages arising from the franchisee's business operations, regardless of whether such damages are caused by negligence, willful action, or professional malpractice. This underscores the franchisee's responsibility for managing their business and adhering to the franchise agreement.