After the My Salon Suite Franchise Agreement expires or terminates, what must the franchisee do with the Manual?
My_Salon_Suite Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any required standards exist to protect Franchisor's interests in the System and the Marks and not for the purpose of establishing any control or duty to take control over those matters that are reserved to Franchisee.
The required standards generally will be set forth in the Manual or other written materials.
The Manual also will include guidelines or recommendations in addition to required standards.
In some instances, the required standards will include recommendations or guidelines to meet the required standards.
Franchisee may follow the recommendations or guidelines or some other suitable alternative, provided Franchisee meets and complies with the required standards.
In other instances, no suitable alternative may exist.
To protect Franchisor's interests in the System and Marks, Franchisor reserves the right to determine if Franchisee is meeting a required standard and whether an alternative is suitable to any recommendations or guidelines.
The Manual is to protect and maintain the System Standards and the Proprietary Marks and not to control the day-to-day operation of Franchisee's Franchised Business.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 95–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 My Salon Suite Franchise Disclosure Document, the standards for operating a franchise are generally set forth in the Manual or other written materials. The Manual includes both required standards and guidelines or recommendations. Franchisees must meet the required standards, and My Salon Suite reserves the right to determine if a franchisee is meeting a required standard and whether an alternative is suitable to any recommendations or guidelines.
However, the excerpt does not explicitly state what a franchisee must do with the Manual upon expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement. Typically, franchise agreements require franchisees to return all confidential operating manuals and materials to the franchisor upon termination or expiration, as these contain proprietary information critical to the brand's operations and standards.
A prospective My Salon Suite franchisee should clarify with the franchisor the specific requirements regarding the return or disposal of the Manual and any other confidential materials upon the termination or expiration of the Franchise Agreement. Understanding these obligations is essential for a smooth transition and to avoid any potential legal issues.