Does the Dryject agreement specify that the franchisee is responsible for costs of investigation and proof of facts?
Dryject Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If You desire to purchase any services or products from suppliers that We have not previously approved, You or the supplier must submit a written request for such approval to Us. As a condition of Our approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, We may require that Our representatives be allowed to inspect the supplier's facilities and/or that a sample of its product be made available to Us or Our designee for testing. In such event You or the supplier may be charged a fee not to exceed the actual cost of such inspection and/or testing. Within thirty (30) days of delivery of the test results, if testing is conducted or the written request if testing is not conducted, We will issue a decision in writing. Such decision may be a determination that additional time is needed to complete the review. Any denial will state the reasons. In the event We do not provide You with a written decision, the request shall be deemed denied.
Source: Item 8 — BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 68–229)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Dryject Franchise Disclosure Document does not explicitly state that the franchisee is responsible for the costs of investigation and proof of facts. However, it does state that if a franchisee desires to purchase services or products from suppliers not previously approved by Dryject, the franchisee or the supplier must submit a written request for approval. As a condition of approval, Dryject may require inspection of the supplier's facilities or testing of product samples. In such cases, the franchisee or the supplier may be charged a fee not to exceed the actual cost of such inspection and/or testing.
This implies that while the franchisee isn't generally responsible for investigation costs, they may incur expenses related to ensuring the quality and standards of products and services used in their Dryject business, particularly when deviating from approved suppliers. This is a standard practice in franchising, where franchisors maintain control over quality and brand consistency.
Prospective franchisees should clarify with Dryject under what specific circumstances they might be responsible for investigation or proof of fact costs. It would be prudent to understand the potential magnitude of these costs and the process for obtaining supplier approval to avoid unexpected financial burdens.