Is a Fitstop franchisee required to accept gift vouchers from online purchases?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We may conduct business and advertise for business on the internet.
We may offer for sale products and services via the internet and we are not liable to you for any money or benefits received by us or any person or entity related or affiliated with us in connection with the sales.
You must cooperate with us in our conduct of business on the internet including by: (1) advertising the domain name specified by us on the shopfront of the Premises, other locations in the Premises, and on all of Franchisee letterheads, business cards, invoices, statements and carry bags; (2) accepting gift vouchers, returns and exchanges from members who have made purchases of products and services via the internet or from another franchisee in the network; and (3) fulfilling orders for products from members who have placed orders via the internet or from another franchisee in the network.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 50–135)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to accept gift vouchers from online purchases. Specifically, Fitstop may offer products and services for sale via the internet. As part of cooperating with Fitstop's online business activities, franchisees must accept gift vouchers from members who have made online purchases.
This requirement ensures consistency and integration between the online and physical locations of the Fitstop franchise system. By accepting gift vouchers from online purchases, franchisees support the brand's overall online sales strategy and provide a seamless experience for customers. This integration can help drive traffic to the physical location, as customers with gift vouchers are likely to visit the premises to redeem them.
However, Fitstop is not liable to the franchisee for any money or benefits it receives from online sales. The franchisee is responsible for fulfilling orders for products from members who have placed orders via the internet or from another franchisee in the network. This means that while franchisees must honor online gift vouchers, they do not directly benefit from the initial online sale, but rather from any subsequent purchases or services the customer may acquire when redeeming the voucher at their Fitstop location.
This policy is important for prospective franchisees to consider, as it highlights the interconnectedness of the online and offline aspects of the Fitstop business model. Franchisees should be prepared to integrate their operations with Fitstop's online platform and understand that their role includes supporting online sales initiatives, even if the direct financial benefit from those sales is not immediately apparent.