What approval is required from Mr. Sandless before a franchisee can use a website for advertising?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may not advertise your Business or any products or services offered by the Business via the Internet without our prior written consent, which may be given or withheld in our sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we recognize that certain methods of advertising (such as radio and television) may reach a larger audience outside of your Designated Territory and, in such event and provided you have offer other System franchisees the opportunity to participate in such advertising, you will not be in violation of this Agreement.
13.3 Internet Website
We may establish a website that provides information about the System and the Mr. Sandless products and services. We may use part of the monies from the Advertising Fund (described in Section 13.4 below) that we collect under this Agreement to pay or reimburse the costs associated with the development, maintenance and update of such website. We will be the webmaster, either directly or through a third party, and we have sole discretion and control over such website. You are not permitted to maintain an individual website related to the Business, or to establish a uniform resource locator (URL) incorporating
any variation of the "Mr. Sandless" name or the Proprietary Marks, without our prior written approval, which we are not required to provide. You must also participate in any System-wide area computer network, intranet system, or extranet implemented by us, as described in Section 9.11.1 above.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain prior written consent from Mr. Sandless before advertising their business or any products or services via the Internet. This approval can be given or withheld at Mr. Sandless's sole discretion. Furthermore, a franchisee is not permitted to maintain an individual website related to the business or establish a URL incorporating any variation of the "Mr. Sandless" name or proprietary marks without prior written approval from Mr. Sandless, which Mr. Sandless is not required to provide.
This requirement means that a prospective Mr. Sandless franchisee will not have complete autonomy over their online advertising and web presence. They must submit their website and online advertising plans to Mr. Sandless for approval, and Mr. Sandless has the right to reject these plans. This could potentially limit a franchisee's ability to implement creative or localized marketing strategies online.
Moreover, Mr. Sandless may establish a website providing information about the Mr. Sandless system, products, and services, using funds from the Advertising Fund. Mr. Sandless retains sole discretion and control over this website, acting as the webmaster directly or through a third party. Franchisees are also required to participate in any system-wide area computer network, intranet system, or extranet implemented by Mr. Sandless.
These stipulations highlight the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between the franchisee and Mr. Sandless regarding online marketing efforts. A prospective franchisee should discuss Mr. Sandless's specific criteria for website and online advertising approval, as well as any potential restrictions or guidelines, to ensure a clear understanding of the franchisor's expectations and limitations.