Does the Focalpoint Coaching franchise agreement require the franchisor to approve all franchisee requests?
Focalpoint_Coaching Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees that the Franchised Business will be operated from an office located at the principal business address listed on Exhibit B (the "Office"), which may not be relocated without Franchisor's prior written approval. No additional offices may be established by Franchisee without Franchisor's prior written approval.
If Franchisee would like to purchase any items from any unapproved supplier or distributor, Franchisee must submit to Franchisor a written request for approval of the proposed supplier or distributor. (Alternatively, the proposed supplier or distributor may submit its own request.) Franchisor has the right to inspect the proposed supplier's or distributor's facilities, and to require product samples from the proposed supplier or distributor to be delivered at Franchisor's option either directly to Franchisor or to any independent, certified laboratory which Franchisor designates for testing. Either Franchisee or the proposed supplier or distributor must pay Franchisor a fee (not to exceed the reasonable cost of the inspection and the actual cost of the test) to make the evaluation. Franchisor has no obligation to approve any new supplier, product or service Franchisee proposes.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD pages 56–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Focalpoint Coaching Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement requires the franchisee to obtain approval from the franchisor for specific requests. These include the relocation of the franchisee's office, which must be at the principal business address listed on Exhibit B of the agreement. The franchisee also needs written approval from Focalpoint Coaching to establish any additional offices.
Furthermore, if a Focalpoint Coaching franchisee wishes to purchase items from a supplier or distributor not already approved by the franchisor, they must submit a written request for approval. Focalpoint Coaching has the right to inspect the facilities of the proposed supplier or distributor and require product samples for testing. The franchisee or the proposed supplier/distributor is responsible for covering the costs associated with the inspection and testing. However, Focalpoint Coaching is under no obligation to approve any new supplier, product, or service suggested by the franchisee.
These stipulations allow Focalpoint Coaching to maintain standards across all franchised locations and protect the brand's reputation. For a prospective franchisee, this means they will have to adhere to the approved supplier list or go through the approval process, which may involve additional costs and is not guaranteed. Similarly, any plans to expand or relocate the business will require the franchisor's consent, potentially limiting the franchisee's autonomy in these decisions.