What is the Kidokinetics franchisee's responsibility regarding social media postings that the franchisor deems inappropriate?
Kidokinetics Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
If we grant the approval, you: (i) must establish and operate such Internet site in accordance with System standards and any other policies we designate in the Franchise Operations Manual or otherwise in writing from time to time; (ii) must utilize any templates that we provide to you to create and/or modify such site(s); and (iii) must obtain our approval prior to making social media postings and you agree to any social media postings that we, in our sole discretion, determine are inappropriate or detrimental to the goodwill of the System within 24 hours of our notice to you.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Kidokinetics's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must remove any social media postings that Kidokinetics, in its sole discretion, deems inappropriate or detrimental to the goodwill of the Kidokinetics system within 24 hours of receiving notice from the franchisor. This requirement underscores the franchisor's control over the brand's image and reputation on social media platforms.
This policy means that a Kidokinetics franchisee needs to be highly responsive to any concerns raised by the franchisor regarding their social media content. The franchisee does not have the right to appeal or dispute the franchisor's determination of what is "inappropriate or detrimental." The franchisee's responsibility is simply to take down the content within the specified 24-hour timeframe. Failure to comply could potentially lead to a breach of the franchise agreement.
Kidokinetics also reserves the right to access a franchisee's social media accounts to make upgrades, post information, and manage the accounts as they see fit for the benefit of the entire Kidokinetics system. This level of control is not uncommon in franchising, as franchisors seek to maintain brand consistency and protect their reputation across all online channels. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these restrictions and ensure they are comfortable ceding this level of control to Kidokinetics.