Can the Mr. Sandless 'System' be changed by the Company?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We shall own and have the exclusive right to use and incorporate in the System, for the benefit of other franchisees, us and our affiliates, any modifications, changes and improvements (collectively, "improvements") to the System, in whole or in part, developed or discovered by you, your principals or your employees or agents in connection with the System or the operation of a Business, without any liability or obligation to you. This includes, but is not limited to, discoveries or development of products, systems or techniques, management practices or procedures, architectural designs and philosophies and names or groups of words relating to the System or describing the services offered by Mr. Sandless Businesses. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Section 11.8 permits you to test, introduce, provide, or otherwise offer any Improvements to customers, or use any Improvement in the operation of the Franchised Business, unless and until Franchisor consents to the use of the Improvement for such purpose.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Mr. Sandless Franchise Disclosure Document, Mr. Sandless has the right to modify the System. Specifically, Mr. Sandless owns the exclusive right to use and incorporate any modifications, changes, and improvements to the System, in whole or in part, developed or discovered by the franchisee, their principals, employees, or agents. This includes discoveries or development of products, systems or techniques, management practices or procedures, architectural designs and philosophies and names or groups of words relating to the System or describing the services offered by Mr. Sandless Businesses.
This means that while franchisees may contribute to the evolution of the Mr. Sandless system, the franchisor ultimately decides which changes are implemented across the franchise network. A franchisee cannot test, introduce, provide, or otherwise offer any Improvements to customers, or use any Improvement in the operation of the Franchised Business, unless and until Mr. Sandless consents to the use of the Improvement for such purpose.
This clause is fairly standard in franchising, as it allows the franchisor to maintain consistency and quality control across all franchise locations. It also protects the Mr. Sandless brand and ensures that all franchisees are operating under the same standards and practices. However, it's important for prospective franchisees to understand that they may not have complete autonomy over their business operations and must adhere to the franchisor's guidelines and modifications to the system.