Before a Mr. Sandless franchisee initiates a civil action against a customer, what action must they take?

According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must notify Mr. Sandless in advance of their intention to start any civil or criminal action against a customer or employee related to the operation of the business. This notification allows Mr. Sandless to be aware of any potential legal issues that could affect the brand or other franchisees.

This requirement is in place so that Mr. Sandless can monitor and potentially advise on legal matters that could impact the brand's reputation or create legal precedents. It ensures that franchisees do not take actions that could harm the overall business or other franchisees within the Mr. Sandless system.

For a prospective franchisee, this means they cannot independently pursue legal action without first informing Mr. Sandless. This could add a step to the process of resolving disputes but is intended to protect the entire franchise network. Franchisees should factor this notification requirement into their business planning and legal strategies.