Under what conditions can Fitstop or its affiliates become an Approved Supplier for Required Items?

According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Fitstop has the option to designate themselves, their affiliates, or any other third party as an Approved Supplier for one or more Required Items associated with the Franchised Business. Fitstop must provide prior written notice via the Manuals or otherwise to franchisees before doing so.

This means that Fitstop retains the flexibility to control the supply chain and potentially profit from the sale of Required Items to franchisees. As a prospective franchisee, it's important to understand that you may be required to purchase certain items from Fitstop or its designated suppliers.

This arrangement is fairly common in franchising, as it allows franchisors to maintain quality control and ensure brand consistency across all locations. However, it also means that franchisees may not have the freedom to shop around for the best prices on these items. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the list of Required Items and Approved Suppliers, and to understand the pricing and terms associated with these purchases.