Can Mr. Sandless franchisees purchase items meeting specifications from any supplier?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
d suppliers. These lists are subject to change at any time.
To maintain the high quality and uniformity of System services and products, and to enhance the Business' image, we have established standards and specifications for other products, services, and equipment. Standards and specifications are provided to franchisees by way of amendments to the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing. We not issue our standards and specifications or otherwise make them available to you or any supplier. In some cases, we may specify particular brand names and model numbers (e.g., for equipment). Items for which we have issued specifications may be purchased from any supplier who sells the items meeting the specifications.
Our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Daniel J. Prasalowicz, has a 100% ownership interest in us, and we are an approved supplier as described above. None of our officers owns an interest in any other supplier. We have the right to add or revise categories of items which are subject to requirements or restrictions on purchases, and may also modify our specifications, in our discretion. We reserve the right to specify all items utilized in the operation of the Business.
We estimate that the costs of your purchases from designated or approved sources, or according to our standards and specification, will range from 40% to 80% of the total cost of establishing your Business, and approximately 5% to 7% of the total cost of operating your Business. We may, in our sole discretion, negotiate purchase
arrangements with suppliers for the benefit of all Mr. Sandless Businesses in the System. There are currently no purchasing or distribution cooperatives in existence for the System.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees can purchase items meeting the franchisor's specifications from any supplier. However, Mr. Sandless maintains standards and specifications for products, services, and equipment to ensure quality and uniformity. These standards are communicated to franchisees through amendments to the Operations Manual or in writing.
Mr. Sandless does not provide these standards and specifications to franchisees or any supplier directly. In some instances, Mr. Sandless may specify particular brand names and model numbers, especially for equipment. If an item meets the specifications issued by Mr. Sandless, franchisees are permitted to purchase it from any supplier that sells the item.
If a franchisee wishes to purchase an item or from a supplier not already approved, they must submit a written request to Mr. Sandless with all necessary information for evaluation. Mr. Sandless will then make a good faith effort to notify the franchisee of their decision within 15 days. Failure to approve the supplier within this period constitutes disapproval. The franchisee is responsible for reimbursing Mr. Sandless's costs for evaluating the proposed item or supplier, up to a maximum of $500. Mr. Sandless retains the right to revoke approval of any item or supplier that no longer meets their criteria or serves the needs of the franchise network.