Under what conditions are My Salon Suite franchisees required to participate in advertising programs established by the franchisor?
My_Salon_Suite Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are not required to participate in a local or regional advertising cooperative.
You are required to participate in any Franchise System-wide area computer network, intranet system, or extranet system that we implement, and may be required to use such area computer network, intranet system, or extranet system to, among other things: (i) submit your reports due under the Franchise Agreement to us online; (ii) view and print portions of the Franchise Operations Manual; (iii) download approved local advertising materials; (iv) communicate with us and other Franchise System franchisees; and (iv) to complete certain components of any ongoing training we designate (Section 12.F.(5) of the Franchise Agreement).
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 42–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to My Salon Suite's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to participate in local or regional advertising cooperatives. However, My Salon Suite may use a Brand Building Fund for various advertising and marketing activities, including creating advertisements and conducting public relations campaigns. These advertisements may be placed in various media, such as print, direct mail, radio, television, or the Internet, at the franchisor's discretion.
While franchisees are not mandated to join advertising cooperatives, they are required to participate in any Franchise System-wide area computer network, intranet system, or extranet system that My Salon Suite implements. This participation may involve submitting reports, accessing the Franchise Operations Manual, downloading approved local advertising materials, and communicating with the franchisor and other franchisees.
My Salon Suite does not guarantee that advertising expenditures from the Brand Building Fund will directly benefit any specific franchisee or on a pro rata basis. Additionally, My Salon Suite is not obligated to spend any amount on advertising in the geographical area where a franchisee is located. Franchisees also need to adhere to specific rules regarding internet presence, and must obtain written approval from My Salon Suite before establishing a separate website or advertising online.