How long does Fitstop have to notify a franchisee of its decision regarding a proposed supplier?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We will notify you in writing within 90 days after we receive all necessary information and/or complete our inspection or testing to advise you if we approve or disapprove the proposed service, item and/or supplier. If you do not receive a notification from us within that 90-day period, the proposed service, item and/or supplier is deemed disapproved. The criteria we use in approving or rejecting new suppliers is proprietary, but we may (but are not required to) make it available to you upon request. Each supplier that we approve of must comply with our usual and customary requirements regarding insurance, indemnification and non-disclosure. If we approve any supplier, we will not guarantee the performance of any supply contract with that supplier under any circumstances. We may re-inspect and/or revoke our approval of a supplier or service or item at any time and for any reason to protect the best interests and goodwill of our System and Proprietary Marks. The revocation of a previously approved product, service or alternative supplier is effective immediately when you receive written notice from us of revocation and, following receipt of our notice, you may not place any new orders for the revoked product, or with the revoked supplier or offer the revoked service.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–23)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Fitstop will notify a franchisee in writing regarding the approval or disapproval of a proposed service, item, or supplier within 90 days of receiving all necessary information and/or completing their inspection or testing.
If the franchisee does not receive notification from Fitstop within this 90-day period, the proposed service, item, or supplier is considered disapproved. This implies that Fitstop's silence after 90 days acts as an automatic rejection, preventing franchisees from moving forward with unapproved vendors without explicit consent.
Fitstop retains the right to re-inspect and/or revoke approval of a supplier, service, or item at any time, for any reason, to protect the best interests and goodwill of their system and proprietary marks. If Fitstop revokes a previously approved product, service, or supplier, it is effective immediately upon written notice, and the franchisee must cease placing new orders for the revoked item or with the revoked supplier.