Can a Fitstop franchisee establish an independent website?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Your grant of a Franchised Business does not include: (i) any right to offer any services via e-commerce except through a website designated by us; (ii) any right to establish an independent website or to establish a URL incorporating the Proprietary Marks or any variation thereof; or (iii) any right to distribute, market, or implement our services in any channel of distrib
Source: Item 16 — RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE FRANCHISEE MAY SELL (FDD pages 41–42)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted from establishing an independent website. The FDD states that franchisees do not have the right to establish an independent website or a URL that incorporates Fitstop's proprietary marks.
This restriction means that as a Fitstop franchisee, you must rely on the website designated by Fitstop for e-commerce activities. You are also unable to create your own website using Fitstop's brand name or any variations of it.
However, Fitstop may provide a sub-page on their official website for franchisees to promote their specific location. While franchisees can upload content to this sub-page, it is subject to Fitstop's approval and must adhere to specific guidelines. Fitstop retains the right to remove the sub-page at any time. This ensures brand consistency and control over the online presence of all Fitstop franchises.