According to Fitstop, how must I operate my Franchised Business?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
UCTS AND SERVICES
You must operate all aspects of your Franchised Business in strict conformance with the methods, standards and specifications of our System. Our methods, standards, and specifications will be communicated to you in writing through our confidential Manuals and other proprietary guidelines and writings that we prepare for your use in connection with the Franchised Business and System. We may change our System standards and specifications from time to time, as we deem appropriate or necessary in our sole discretion, and you will be solely responsible for costs associated with complying with any modifications to the System.
Approved Products and Services
You may only market, offer, sell and provide the Approved Services, as well as any Approved Products we authorize, from or through your Franchised Business using the curricula, methodologies, guidelines and overall culture that are consistent with our System standards and specifications. We will provide you with a list of our then-current Approved Services and Approved Products, along with any corresponding instruction or guidelines and/or directives for how to offer and provide the same, as part of the Manuals or otherwise in writing prior to the opening of your Franchised Business. We may update or modify this list in writing at any time.
It is important to understand that our franchisees and other System owners help ensure and guarantee the satisfaction of our customers. Therefore, if a customer complains about a given experience that took place at the Franchised Business, we may establish certain procedures you are required to follow to resolve the concern – which may include directives regarding customer refunds and/or provision of discounts for future services to be conducted at the Franchised Business.
If you wish to offer any product or service at your Premises or otherwise in connection with the Franchised Business other than our Approved Products and Approved Services - or use any item in connection with your Franchised Business as a substitute or in addition to any Required Item we designate – then you must obtain our prior written approval as described more fully in this Item 8.
Approved Suppliers
We have the right to require you to purchase any items or services necessary to operate your Franchised Business from a supplier that we approve or designate – which we refer to as an "Approved Supplier" and may include us or our Affiliate(s). We will provide you with a list of our then-current Approved Suppliers in writing as part of the Manuals or otherwise in writing, and we may update or modify this list as we deem appropriate.
We are not currently the Approved Supplier for any Required Items you must acquire or use in connection with your Franchised Business, except: (i) any technology services we determine to provide as part of any Technology Fee we determine to establish in the future; and (ii) any ongoing Additional and/or Refresher Training, and/or new or replacement Instructor Training, that occurs once you have opened your Franchised Business, and for which we may charge our then-current Training Fee for the kind of training at issue; and (iii) any services we determine to provide as part of our current Fund.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–23)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, you must operate all aspects of your Franchised Business in strict conformance with the methods, standards, and specifications of Fitstop's System. These standards will be communicated to you in writing through confidential manuals and other proprietary guidelines. Fitstop may change these standards from time to time, and you will be responsible for the costs associated with complying with any modifications to the System.
As a franchisee, you may only market, offer, sell, and provide the Approved Services, as well as any Approved Products that Fitstop authorizes, from or through your Franchised Business using the curricula, methodologies, guidelines, and overall culture that are consistent with Fitstop's System standards and specifications. Fitstop will provide you with a list of approved services and products, along with instructions or guidelines, in writing prior to opening your franchise. This list may be updated or modified at any time.
If a customer complains about an experience at your Fitstop location, you may be required to follow certain procedures to resolve the concern, including directives regarding customer refunds or discounts for future services. If you wish to offer any product or service at your premises that are not approved, you must obtain Fitstop's prior written approval. This ensures consistency and quality across all Fitstop franchises, protecting the brand's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, you must secure a premises that Fitstop approves in accordance with their site selection criteria. You must also obtain approval before using any advertising or promotional materials unless they have been prepared or approved by Fitstop. Maintaining your facility and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, and equipment in good order and in conformity with Fitstop's System Standards is also required, as outlined in the manuals or other written directives.