Are there any circumstances where a Fitstop franchisee is not required to acquire Required Items as designated in the manuals?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
nd expense except as this Agreement otherwise permits herein.
Section 12: Required Items, Approved Suppliers and Related Obligations
- 12.1 Required Items. Unless we agree otherwise in a separately-signed writing, you must acquire and/or license and/or lease: (i) the furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies, inventory, Required Software and services we designate in the Manuals or otherwise in writing to (a) build-out and otherwise establish the Franchised Business at the Premises, and (b) operate that Franchised Business on an ongoing basis (collectively, the "Required Items"), in accordance with our then-current System standards and specifications; and (ii) such Required Items from the Approved Supplier, if any, we designate in our Manuals or otherwise in writing.
- 12.2 Ongoing Obligations. To ensure you may service members, you must purchase and maintain in accordance with the specifications set forth in the Manual(s)s such additional supplies and equipment necessary. We may make changes in these standards and specifications. The changes may require you to purchase equipment, supplies, furnishings or other products. You must promptly use the modified standards and specifications at your own expense and as specified in this Agreement within 180 days of the date we provide notice of a formal roll-out with respect to all similarly-situated System franchisees.
- 12.3 Right to Designate and Update List of Approved Supplier(s). We may, but are under no obligation, appoint oursevles and/or our affiliates or any other third party as an Apporved Supplier for one (1) or more Required Items associated with the Franchised Business upon prior written notice via the Manuals or otherwise.
12.4 Approved Services and Approved Products
12.4.1 Approved Products.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 50–135)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must acquire Required Items as designated in the manuals or in writing, unless Fitstop agrees otherwise in a separately signed writing. These Required Items include furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies, inventory, Required Software, and services necessary to build out and operate the Franchised Business according to Fitstop's standards and specifications. Franchisees must typically purchase these items from Fitstop's designated Approved Suppliers.
Fitstop may modify the standards and specifications for these items, potentially requiring franchisees to purchase new equipment, supplies, or furnishings. Franchisees are expected to adopt these changes at their own expense within 180 days of receiving notice of a formal rollout.
Franchisees can propose using alternative suppliers for supplies, but they must provide samples to Fitstop for approval. Fitstop will assess the quality of these items and can reject them if they are deemed unsuitable for the Franchise. Fitstop commits to ensuring a consistent supply of Approved Products for franchisees.