Does Fitstop allow franchisees to acquire Required Items from suppliers other than the Approved Supplier?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
nd expense except as this Agreement otherwise permits herein.
Section 12: Required Items, Approved Suppliers and Related Obligations
- 12.1 Required Items. Unless we agree otherwise in a separately-signed writing, you must acquire and/or license and/or lease: (i) the furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies, inventory, Required Software and services we designate in the Manuals or otherwise in writing to (a) build-out and otherwise establish the Franchised Business at the Premises, and (b) operate that Franchised Business on an ongoing basis (collectively, the "Required Items"), in accordance with our then-current System standards and specifications; and (ii) such Required Items from the Approved Supplier, if any, we designate in our Manuals or otherwise in writing.
- 12.2 Ongoing Obligations. To ensure you may service members, you must purchase and maintain in accordance with the specifications set forth in the Manual(s)s such additional supplies and equipment necessary. We may make changes in these standards and specifications. The changes may require you to purchase equipment, supplies, furnishings or other products.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 50–135)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to acquire 'Required Items' from 'Approved Suppliers' designated by Fitstop. However, Fitstop does provide a process for franchisees to propose using alternative suppliers.
Specifically, if a Fitstop franchisee wishes to purchase supplies from an alternative supplier, they must provide a sample of each item to Fitstop for inspection. Fitstop will then assess whether the items are of appropriate quality for the franchise.
Fitstop retains the right to reject the proposed alternative supplier if the items are deemed unsuitable. In that case, the franchisee must not use those supplies in the Fitstop franchise. Fitstop states that it will use its best efforts to ensure that either it or a designated supplier will at all times have a supply of Approved Products for sale to franchisees.