Are there any restrictions on advertising on the internet or having a website for a Degree Wellness franchise?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Advertising on the internet or having your own website online is restricted by your Franchise Agreement.
You may develop, at your cost, advertising and promotional materials for your own use, but may not use them until after we have approved them in writing. You must submit to us for our approval samples of all advertising and promotional materials not prepared or previously approved by us that you wish to use. We will not unreasonably withhold our approval. If we do not approve any materials submitted to us within 15 days of receiving them, they will be deemed not approved. Our actual or deemed approval will not mean that we have analyzed or approved any such materials with respect to any state, local or administrative law, rule or regulation that may be applicable to a franchise's practice of health related services in its State of licensure. In addition to any contributions to the Fund (see below) and the Technology Fee, each Degree Wellness Studio must spend, at a minimum each month, $2,500 for local advertising, promotion, and marketing.
We may require you to list and advertise your franchise in certain directories distributed within your Protected Territory, and with such internet-based directories, including social media channels, as we may specify. These listings must be made in the directory categories we specify, using our standard forms of listing and classified directory advertisements. We may place classified directory advertisements on a national or regional basis and list your and other Degree Wellness franchises operating within the directories' distribution area, with the cost of the advertisements being reasonably apportioned among all franchises listed.
If you purchase a franchise, you irrevocably consent to the use of your name and likeness, including voice and image, by us and its respective affiliates, successors and assigns, for all commercial purposes, including advertising and promotion, in any media, throughout the world in perpetuity, including but not limited to, on the internet.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 32–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees face restrictions on internet advertising and website ownership as outlined in the Franchise Agreement. Specifically, all advertising and promotional materials not already prepared or approved by Degree Wellness must be submitted for written approval, which Degree Wellness will not unreasonably withhold. If Degree Wellness fails to act on the submitted materials within 15 days, the materials are considered unapproved.
Degree Wellness may also require franchisees to list and advertise their franchise in specific directories, including internet-based directories and social media channels, using Degree Wellness's standard forms. Furthermore, Degree Wellness retains the right to use a franchisee's name and likeness for commercial purposes, including internet advertising, in any media worldwide and in perpetuity.
Degree Wellness also administers a brand development fund where all Degree Wellness Studios contribute 1% of their gross revenues, which may increase to 2%. This fund is used for various advertising and marketing activities, including website development, maintenance, search engine optimization, and social media efforts. Degree Wellness has sole discretion over the fund's creative concepts, materials, and media usage. These measures ensure that Degree Wellness maintains control over its brand image and marketing strategies across all franchise locations and online platforms.