Can I purchase the Gokhale® Roller from a supplier other than GME for my Gokhale Method franchise?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Prior to opening your Franchised Business, you must purchase the following equipment and furnishings from us: a Gokhale® Roller, a Gokhale Pain-Free™ Chair, 8 Stretchsit® Cushions, 8 Gokhale® Wedges, 8 Gokhale® Head Cushions, 8 copies of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, and sufficient shirts or uniforms (if required by us). You must also obtain an application proprietary to GMI for an iPhone; there is no charge for this application. There are no other suppliers for these items, because they are proprietary to us and GME. Because these items are proprietary to us, we do not authorize other sources to supply these items nor do we permit you to purchase them elsewhere. We do not supply the specifications of these items to third parties. Other than these items, you may purchase other required equipment and supplies from any source that can provide equipment and supplies that meet our specifications.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–17)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase the Gokhale® Roller directly from GME (Gokhale Method Education). This is because the Gokhale® Roller is considered a proprietary item.
Along with the Gokhale® Roller, franchisees must also purchase a Gokhale Pain-Free™ Chair, Stretchsit® Cushions, Gokhale® Wedges, Gokhale® Head Cushions, and copies of the book '8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back' directly from GME. The FDD specifies that there are no other approved suppliers for these proprietary items, and Gokhale Method does not provide the specifications to third parties.
While certain items must be purchased from GME, franchisees have the flexibility to source other required equipment and supplies from alternative suppliers, provided these items meet Gokhale Method's standards and specifications. This allows franchisees to potentially manage costs and build relationships with local suppliers for non-proprietary items.