How are inter-store redemptions of Apricot Lane gift cards reconciled?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Gift Card Program
You must participate in our gift card program, currently administered by Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions. These gift cards operate like gift certificates and are redeemable at any participating Store. All new Franchised Businesses must participate in the program. You will purchase from Ceridian-Stores Value Solutions a gift card unit, initial supply of gift cards and set up for $700, which is included in Item 7 under Initial Store Marketing and Point of Purchase expense. You will need to purchase additional "blank" cards and other supplies from Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions at its then current pricing. The customer selects
the amount to put on the gift card from $10 to $500 and this remains in your account and is debited as the card is redeemed along with applicable transaction fees. Inter-store redemptions are reconciled monthly. All amounts due from your Franchised Business for transactions under this program are debited from your designated bank account by Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions. We cannot promise or represent that this program with Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions will continue in the future, and the terms and conditions of the program if it continues may be subject to change. We reserve the right to change administrators of the gift card program or to modify or discontinue the gift card program.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 17–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the reconciliation of gift card redemptions between stores is managed on a monthly basis. Apricot Lane franchisees are required to participate in the gift card program, which is currently administered by Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions. Franchisees must purchase a gift card unit, along with an initial supply of gift cards, and the setup fee is $700, which is included in the initial store marketing and point of purchase expenses.
Customers can load amounts from $10 to $500 onto the gift cards. When a gift card is redeemed, the amount is debited from the franchisee's account, along with any applicable transaction fees. Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions debits all amounts due from the franchisee's designated bank account for transactions under this program.
It is important to note that Apricot Lane cannot guarantee the continuation of the gift card program with Ceridian-Stored Value Solutions, and the terms and conditions are subject to change. Apricot Lane retains the right to change the administrator of the gift card program or to modify or discontinue the program altogether. This introduces a degree of uncertainty for franchisees, as they rely on this system for managing gift card transactions and potential revenue. Franchisees should stay informed of any changes to the gift card program and be prepared to adapt to new systems or administrators if necessary.