What happens if Fly Fitness does not approve a proposed supplier within 30 days?
Fly_Fitness Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We approve suppliers after careful review of the quality of the products they provide to us and our franchisees. If you would like us to consider another item or supplier, you must make such request in writing to us and have the supplier give us samples of its product or service and such other information that we may require. If the item and/or supplier meets our specifications, as we determine in our sole discretion, we will approve it as an additional item or supplier. We will make a good-faith effort to notify you whether we approve or disapprove of the proposed item or supplier
within 30 days after we receive all required information to evaluate the product or service. If we do not approve any request within 30 days, it is deemed unapproved. We reserve the right to revoke approval of any item or supplier that does not continue to meet our then-current standards. Our criteria for approving items and suppliers are not available to you. If you request that we approve a proposed item or supplier, we may charge for our actual costs of product testing and evaluation.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–20)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fly Fitness's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, if Fly Fitness does not approve a proposed supplier within 30 days after receiving all the necessary information to evaluate the product or service, the request is automatically considered unapproved. This means a franchisee cannot use that supplier or item for their Fly Fitness business.
This policy has significant implications for franchisees. It underscores Fly Fitness's control over the supply chain and ensures standardization across all franchise locations. While franchisees can suggest alternative suppliers or products, the ultimate decision rests with Fly Fitness. The 30-day default disapproval provides a defined timeframe, but it also places the onus on the franchisee to ensure all required information is submitted promptly.
Franchisees should be aware that Fly Fitness's criteria for approving suppliers and items are not disclosed. Additionally, Fly Fitness retains the right to revoke approval of any item or supplier if it no longer meets their standards. This ongoing oversight highlights the importance of maintaining compliance with Fly Fitness's requirements to avoid potential disruptions to their business operations. Fly Fitness may also charge franchisees for the actual costs of product testing and evaluation when a franchisee requests a new supplier.
This level of control over suppliers is common in franchising, as it helps maintain brand consistency and quality. However, franchisees should carefully consider these restrictions and the potential costs associated with proposing new suppliers before entering into a franchise agreement with Fly Fitness.