Can an Itan franchisee represent that their relationship with Itan is other than franchisor and franchisee?
Itan Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
rd parties, conspicuously identify yourself as a franchisee and the independent owner of your Salon. We may require that you display a written notice of independent ownership, in the form we prescribe, at any location within your Salon that we specify. You must also include a written indication of independent ownership on all agreements, forms, letterhead, advertising materials, business cards and other materials that we specify. Neither party may: (a) make any express or implied agreement, warranty or representation, or incur any debt, in the name of or on behalf of the other; or (b) represent that our relationship is other than franchisor and franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 44–190)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Itan's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement explicitly defines the relationship between Itan and its franchisees. The agreement states that nothing within it should imply a relationship beyond that of franchisor and franchisee.
Specifically, the document states that neither party can make agreements, warranties, or representations on behalf of the other unless expressly authorized. Furthermore, franchisees are prohibited from representing their relationship with Itan as anything other than franchisor and franchisee. This means an Itan franchisee cannot claim to be a partner, agent, employee, or any other type of representative of Itan.
To ensure transparency, Itan requires franchisees to conspicuously identify themselves as independent owners of their salons in all dealings with third parties. This includes displaying written notices of independent ownership within the salon and indicating independent ownership on agreements, forms, letterheads, advertising materials, business cards, and other specified materials. This requirement reinforces the distinct and independent nature of the franchise relationship, preventing any misrepresentation of the franchisee's status.