Can Petro Stopping Center require a franchisee to provide information via e-commerce?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may require that you provide graphical, photographic, written or other forms of artistic or literary content to us for use in e-commerce activities associated with the Marks or the Petro System which we may designate.
We may restrict your use of e-commerce to a centralized website, portal or network or other form of e-commerce that we designate or operate.
We may restrict your advertising activities to the use of only the e-names we designate.
We may require that you provide information to us via e-commerce.
You agree to be bound by any e-mail, SPAM, unsolicited e-mail, terms of use, privacy and copyright notice and takedown policies and the like that we establish from time to time.
We may require you to, at your expense, coordinate your ecommerce activities with us, and other Petro Centers, Approved Suppliers, Preferred Vendors and Affiliates.
We may require you to participate in Intranet Systems we establish or designate and obtain the services of and pay the then-current fees for such services.
You agree that you will not "opt-out" or otherwise ask to no longer receive e-mails from us or other participants in the Petro System.
You recognize and agree that we own all rights, title and interest in and to any and all websites and any e-names we commission or utilize, or require or permit you to utilize, in connection with the Petro System which bear our Marks or any derivative of our Marks.
You also recognize and agree that we own all rights, title and interest in and to any and all data or other
information collected via e-commerce related to the Petro System or the Marks, including any customer data, click-stream data, cookies, user data, hits and the like.
Such data or other information also constitutes our Confidential Information.
Source: Item 14 — Other investments (FDD pages 131–208)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Petro Stopping Center's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Petro Stopping Center may require franchisees to provide information via e-commerce. This includes graphical, photographic, written, or other forms of artistic or literary content for use in e-commerce activities associated with the Petro System brand. Petro Stopping Center also has the right to restrict a franchisee's use of e-commerce to a centralized website, portal, network, or other form of e-commerce that they designate or operate. Additionally, Petro Stopping Center can restrict advertising activities to the use of only the e-names they designate.
This means that as a franchisee, you may be obligated to supply content for Petro Stopping Center's online platforms and adhere to their specific e-commerce guidelines. You must also agree to be bound by any e-mail, SPAM, unsolicited e-mail, terms of use, privacy and copyright notice and takedown policies and the like that Petro Stopping Center establishes from time to time. Furthermore, franchisees may be required to coordinate their e-commerce activities with Petro Stopping Center, other Petro Centers, approved suppliers, preferred vendors, and affiliates, potentially incurring expenses in the process.
Petro Stopping Center may also require franchisees to participate in Intranet Systems they establish or designate and obtain the services of and pay the then-current fees for such services. Franchisees also agree that they will not "opt-out" or otherwise ask to no longer receive e-mails from Petro Stopping Center or other participants in the Petro System. The Franchise Disclosure Document states that Petro Stopping Center owns all rights, title, and interest in and to any and all websites and any e-names they commission or utilize, or require or permit franchisees to utilize, in connection with the Petro System which bear their Marks or any derivative of their Marks. Petro Stopping Center also owns all rights, title and interest in and to any and all data or other information collected via e-commerce related to the Petro System or the Marks, including any customer data, click-stream data, cookies, user data, hits and the like. This data is considered confidential information.
For a prospective franchisee, this underscores the importance of understanding the extent of Petro Stopping Center's control over online activities and the potential costs associated with compliance. It is essential to clarify the specific requirements for e-commerce participation, including the types of content required, the designated platforms, and any associated fees, to fully assess the investment and operational obligations.