What are the conditions under which Fitstop might change its System standards and specifications as described in Item 8, and how does this impact the franchisee's obligations listed in Item 9?
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.
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Fitstop may change its System standards and specifications from time to time, as it deems appropriate or necessary in its sole discretion. These changes will be communicated to franchisees in writing through confidential manuals and other proprietary guidelines.
As a Fitstop franchisee, you are responsible for operating all aspects of your franchised business in strict conformance with Fitstop's methods, standards, and specifications. You are also solely responsible for the costs associated with complying with any modifications to the System. This includes marketing, offering, selling, and providing only the approved services and products that Fitstop authorizes, using the curricula, methodologies, guidelines, and overall culture consistent with Fitstop's System standards and specifications.
Fitstop may update or modify the list of approved services and products in writing at any time. If a customer complains about an experience at the franchised business, Fitstop may establish certain procedures that the franchisee is required to follow to resolve the concern, including directives regarding customer refunds and/or provision of discounts for future services. If a franchisee wishes to offer any product or service other than Fitstop's approved products and services, they must obtain Fitstop's prior written approval.