How does Southern Steer define an 'Approved Supplier'?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 30.3.
Approved Supplier. "Approved Supplier" will mean a supplier, vendor or distributor that has been approved in writing by the Franchisor to supply its products and/or services to the Franchisee because its products and/or services conform to the standards and specifications established by the Franchisor, and the Franchisor has determined that its business reputation, quality standards, delivery performance, credit rating and other factors are satisfactory.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an Approved Supplier is defined as a supplier, vendor, or distributor that has received written approval from Southern Steer to supply products and/or services to franchisees. This approval is based on the supplier's products and/or services meeting the standards and specifications established by Southern Steer.
Southern Steer also assesses the supplier's business reputation, quality standards, delivery performance, and credit rating to ensure they are satisfactory. This definition ensures that franchisees source products and services from suppliers that meet Southern Steer's quality and operational standards.
If a franchisee wishes to use a different supplier, they must obtain written approval from Southern Steer. The proposed supplier must meet Southern Steer's standards, and Southern Steer will evaluate the supplier's business reputation, quality standards, delivery performance, credit rating, and other criteria. Southern Steer can deny or revoke approval at any time if the supplier fails to meet these standards. The franchisee is responsible for submitting samples, specifications, and product information for review and may also have to cover the costs of inspecting the supplier's facilities.