Approved Vendors and Outside Sales at MITS

At Made in the Shade, we work to protect the brand, improve customer experience, and create consistency across the franchise system. Unlike our competition, we do not add every manufacturer under the sun because of our royalty-free structure. We understand the value of relationships, consistency with product offerings, strong backing and support, and the value of future growth plans. Some of the vendor partnerships have been around since inception, but with our growth comes new opportunities and potential additions.  

Why approved vendors matter

Approved vendors help support consistency in product quality, customer experience, service expectations, technology compatibility, and brand standards. They also help franchisees operate within the broader system in a way that protects both the local business and the Made in the Shade brand.

REVIEW THE CONTACT LIST OF APPROVED SUPPLIERS AND CURRENT FRANCHISEES

When approval may be required

In some situations, a franchisee may need written approval before using a new outside vendor, sales channel, referral relationship, or related arrangement. This helps ensure the activity aligns with system standards and does not create issues involving territory, customer expectations, reporting, or brand use.

Examples may include:

• new product or service arrangements not already approved
• outside lead or referral relationships
• third-party sales or marketing arrangements involving the Made in the Shade name
• programs that affect reporting, customer handling, or fee obligations

How franchisees can request approval

Franchisees should submit proposed outside sales or outside vendor requests to Home Office Support for review before launch. The request should clearly explain the arrangement, the products or services involved, how it will be marketed, and how customer communication and operational handling will work.

INTERNAL LINK FOR OUTSIDE SALES APPROVAL

Ongoing expectations

If an arrangement is approved, the franchisee may also be required to follow specific reporting, operational, or payment requirements as part of that approval. Those details are provided through internal franchisee resources and Home Office communication.

Customer Support for Approved Products and Suppliers

Made in the Shade is committed to supporting products and suppliers that align with our system standards and approved vendor relationships. This helps protect the customer experience and supports proper product knowledge, ordering, installation, warranty handling, and ongoing service.

If a local Made in the Shade franchise offers a product or supplier outside the approved Home Office system, support may be limited. In those situations, Made in the Shade may not be able to provide ongoing service, warranty assistance, replacement guidance, or product-related support, especially if that local business later closes or stops operating.

For that reason, customers may confirm in advance that the product line or supplier is part of the approved Made in the Shade offering. This helps ensure the product is backed by the proper training, vendor relationship, and long-term support structure.

If you have questions, please contact your local Made in the Shade location or Home Office before moving forward.