Can the Mr. Sandless 'System' be changed, improved, or further developed?
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, franchisees may develop modifications, changes, and improvements to the Mr. Sandless system. However, Mr. Sandless retains ownership and the exclusive right to use and incorporate any such improvements into the system for the benefit of other franchisees, Mr. Sandless itself, and its affiliates. 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.
The agreement specifies that franchisees cannot test, introduce, provide, or 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 means that while franchisees can innovate and create improvements, they do not have the right to implement those changes without prior approval from Mr. Sandless.
This clause ensures that Mr. Sandless maintains control over the consistency and standards of its brand and operations across all franchise locations. It also allows Mr. Sandless to leverage the collective knowledge and innovation of its franchisees while ensuring that any changes align with the overall strategic direction of the company. For a prospective franchisee, this means that while their ideas are welcome, they must work within the established framework and seek approval before implementing any changes to the Mr. Sandless system.