What costs are the Stretch Zone franchisees responsible for when seeking approval for alternate suppliers?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
iliate from an unapproved supplier, you must submit to us a written request for approval, or request the supplier to do so itself.
Procedures for Our Approval. We have the right to require, as a condition of our approval, that the supplier permit our representatives to inspect its facilities. If we request, the supplier will deliver samples to us or to our designated independent, certified laboratory for testing. We are not liable for damage to any sample that may result from the testing process.
Fees. You will pay a charge not to exceed the reasonable cost of the inspection and the actual cost of the testing (estimated to range from $250 to $1,500). We may also require as a condition to its approval, that the supplier present satisfactory evidence of insurance, for example, product liability insurance, protecting our Franchisees and us from all claims from the use of the item within the Business System.
Source: Item 6 — ITEM -6 OTHER FEES (FDD pages 16–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Stretch Zone's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase or lease equipment, supplies, inventory, advertising materials, construction services, or other products/services from a supplier not already approved by Stretch Zone, they may request approval. Alternatively, the supplier can request approval themselves.
As a condition of approval, Stretch Zone may require the supplier to allow inspections of their facilities. Additionally, the supplier might need to provide samples for testing to Stretch Zone or a designated independent, certified laboratory. The franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with these inspections and tests.
The fees for inspection and testing can range from $250 to $1,500, representing a potentially significant expense for a franchisee seeking to utilize an unapproved supplier. Stretch Zone also reserves the right to reinspect the facilities and products of any approved supplier and continue to sample the products at the supplier's expense. They can revoke approval if the supplier fails to meet their standards, with written notification provided to the franchisee within 7 days of the investigation and inspection.