Under what conditions can a Mr. Sandless franchisee use social media to promote their business?
Mr_Sandless Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 13.3.4 Directory Listings and Social Media Accounts. You acknowledge and agree that you are strictly prohibited from promoting your Business or using the Proprietary Marks in any manner on social or networking Websites, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Tik Tok, blogs, or any other social media and/or networking site without our prior written approval. If feasible, and with our prior written approval, you may do cooperative listings with other System franchisees. You are specifically prohibited from using your, or any other individual's or entity's personal social media accounts to promote the Franchised Business.
13.4 Local Advertising
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Mr. Sandless's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from promoting their business or using the company's trademarks on social media platforms without prior written approval from Mr. Sandless. This includes popular sites such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok, as well as blogs or any other social networking site.
Mr. Sandless maintains tight control over its brand and online presence. Franchisees are specifically barred from using their personal social media accounts to promote their Mr. Sandless franchise. The FDD emphasizes that all social media accounts and electronic addresses associated with the Mr. Sandless trademarks are the sole property of the franchisor.
However, the FDD indicates that franchisees may engage in cooperative listings with other Mr. Sandless franchisees, provided they obtain prior written approval from Mr. Sandless. This suggests that collaborative marketing efforts on social media could be permissible under specific, pre-approved conditions.
In practical terms, a prospective Mr. Sandless franchisee should be aware that they cannot independently manage a social media presence for their franchise without express consent from the franchisor. Any unauthorized social media activity could result in penalties, as the FDD states that using any unapproved marketing efforts, including online marketing, can lead to a fine of $500 per occurrence.