For Ledgers franchises, can I use advertising material that is not from Ledgers or a designated vendor?
Ledgers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Advertising and Marketing**.** You must use advertising material from us, a vendor that we designate, or we must approve the advertising in writing, prior to its use.
We do not maintain written criteria for approving suppliers and thus these criteria are not available to you or your proposed supplier. If you wish to purchase products or services from a nonapproved vendor; you must submit the vendor for approval. We charge $100/hour plus our costs to evaluate an alternative supplier. Our right to approve or disapprove will be done in a reasonable manner within 30 days of our receipt of your request. For example, if you wish to purchase items bearing our Marks, we may request from the vendor seeking approval, a sample to insure they meet our standards. We will make you aware of our decision concerning the vendor via email within a reasonable time.
We estimate that required purchases described above will be approximately 15-20% of all purchases and leases by you of goods and services to establish a franchise and approximately 10- 15% of your operating costs.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 23–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ledgers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use advertising material from Ledgers, a vendor designated by Ledgers, or receive written approval from Ledgers before using alternative advertising materials. This requirement ensures that all advertising and marketing efforts align with Ledgers's brand standards and messaging.
If a Ledgers franchisee wishes to use advertising material from a non-approved source, they must first obtain written approval from Ledgers. This process allows Ledgers to review the material and ensure it meets their standards before it is used in the market. This approval process is typical in franchising, as franchisors want to maintain brand consistency and protect their trademarks.
Ledgers also has the right to be an approved supplier of advertising material. However, they are not the only approved supplier. This means franchisees have options, but must adhere to Ledgers's guidelines or seek approval for alternative sources. Ledgers does not maintain written criteria for approving suppliers. If a franchisee wishes to purchase products or services from a nonapproved vendor, they must submit the vendor for approval, and Ledgers charges $100/hour plus costs to evaluate the alternative supplier. Ledgers will make the franchisee aware of their decision via email within a reasonable time.
Ledgers estimates that required purchases will be approximately 15-20% of all purchases and leases to establish a franchise and approximately 10-15% of operating costs. This includes advertising materials, among other required items. While Ledgers does not currently receive payments from suppliers, they reserve the right to do so in the future.