Buddy's Home Furnishings

The ad fund rate of 175 is 87.5 times higher than the typical range for this category. What specific marketing initiatives and campaigns does this fund support, and how is the ad fund usage tracked and reported to franchisees?

The monthly technology fee of $1,050 exceeds the typical range by more than double. What technology systems and services are included in this fee, and can you provide a detailed breakdown of what each component costs?

Unit closures nearly doubled from 10 in 2023 to 18 in 2024. Can you explain the primary reasons for this increase and what percentage were voluntary closures versus franchisor-initiated terminations?

The category 'ceased other' accounts for 18 of 42 total exits in 2024. What does this classification mean, and what specific circumstances led franchisees to cease operations under this category?

Gross sales for this franchise ($35,562-$72,046) are 70-90% lower than typical retail franchises. What factors account for this significant difference, and is this reflective of the business model or an indication of underperformance?

One franchisor-initiated litigation case exists. Can you provide details about this case, including the nature of the claim, current status, and any settlements or judgments?

The renewal conditions list contains 9 items, above the typical range of 6-8. Can you provide the complete list of renewal conditions and clarify which conditions are negotiable versus mandatory?

The non-compete restriction of 1 year is half the typical duration of 2 years. Why is the non-compete period shorter than industry standard, and does this reflect franchisor flexibility or a potential weakness in post-exit protections?

With a termination rate of 2.1% annually, how many franchisees were terminated in the last 3 years, and what were the primary reasons cited in termination notices?

The non-renewal rate is 0.3% annually. Of franchisees eligible for renewal in the last 2 years, how many chose not to renew, and what feedback did they provide about their decision?

Your Support & Training score of 100 is above the typical range, yet unit exits are accelerating. How do you reconcile this high training and support rating with the increasing closure rate?

The Risk Factors score of 38 is significantly below the typical range of 65.0-75.3. What specific risk factors contributed to this low score, and what steps are you taking to address them?

Transfer fee is $10,000. How often do franchisees transfer their units, and what approval process does the franchisor use to evaluate transfer applicants?

Renewal fee is $2,000. Does this fee come due at the start of the renewal term, and are there any additional fees or costs associated with the renewal process?

The franchise agreement includes 9 renewal conditions. Can you confirm whether franchisees must upgrade store layout, equipment, or technology systems to qualify for renewal, and if so, what are typical upgrade costs?

The agreement mentions 8 non-curable defaults. Beyond material misrepresentation, what are the other non-curable defaults that could result in immediate termination without opportunity to cure?

The post-term restrictions reference 'any other Buddy's retail business' within 15 miles. Does this include online retail, mail order, or only physical retail locations?

All principal owners must sign personal guarantees. If a franchisee's spouse is not involved in operations, do they still need to sign personally guaranteeing the franchise agreement, and what are the implications if they do not sign?

The agreement requires use of only approved products and services from approved suppliers. Are the approved suppliers limited in number, and does the franchisor receive rebates or commissions from these suppliers?