Is Fly To Fit obligated to test new or revised specifications before issuing them to franchisees?
Fly_To_Fit Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We issue specifications and standards to you for applicable aspects of the franchise in our Manual and/or in written directives. We may issue new specifications and standards for any aspect of our brand system, or modify existing specifications and standards, at any time by revising our Manual and/or issuing new written directives (which may be communicated to you by any method we choose). We will generally (but are not obligated to) issue new or revised specifications only after thorough testing in our headquarters, in company-owned outlets, and/or a limited market test in multiple units.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–21)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fly To Fit's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Fly To Fit is not obligated to test new or revised specifications before issuing them to franchisees. The FDD states that Fly To Fit will generally issue new or revised specifications only after thorough testing, but they are not legally bound to do so.
This means that Fly To Fit can change the specifications and standards for any aspect of the franchise at any time by revising their manual or issuing new written directives. These directives can be communicated through any method Fly To Fit chooses. While Fly To Fit indicates they will generally test these changes at their headquarters, in company-owned outlets, or through limited market tests in multiple units, they are not required to do so.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that changes to the Fly To Fit system could be implemented without prior testing. This could potentially lead to unexpected challenges or costs if new specifications are not well-vetted before being mandated for franchisees. It would be prudent for a potential franchisee to inquire about Fly To Fit's typical process for developing and rolling out new standards, and to understand how much input franchisees have in the process.