How long does Fitstop have to approve or disapprove advertising materials submitted by a franchisee?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
If you wish to use any advertising or promotional materials other than those that we have previously approved or designated within the preceding 12 months, then you must submit the materials you wish to use to us for our prior written approval at least ten (10) days prior to publication. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to notify you of our approval or disapproval of your proposed materials within 30 days of the date we receive the materials from you. If you do not receive our written approval during that time period, however, the proposed materials are deemed disapproved, and you may not use such materials. Once approved, you may use the proposed materials unless we: (i) prescribe a different time period for use; or (ii) require you to discontinue using the previously approved materials in writing. We may require you to discontinue the use of any advertising or marketing material, including materials we previously approved, at any time.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 24–35)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to use advertising or promotional materials that Fitstop has not previously approved or designated within the preceding 12 months, the franchisee must submit these materials for prior written approval at least ten days before publication. Fitstop will then use commercially reasonable efforts to notify the franchisee of their approval or disapproval within 30 days from the date they receive the materials.
If Fitstop does not provide written approval within this 30-day period, the proposed materials are considered disapproved, and the franchisee is not allowed to use them. However, once Fitstop approves the materials, the franchisee can use them unless Fitstop specifies a different time period for use or requires the franchisee to discontinue using the previously approved materials in writing.
Fitstop retains the right to require a franchisee to stop using any advertising or marketing material, even those previously approved, at any time. This allows Fitstop to maintain control over brand messaging and ensure consistency across all franchise locations.