What kind of access does Apricot Lane have to the E-Commerce Platform if they are the administrator?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees that Franchisor, for and on behalf of Franchisee, may at its option (but shall not be required to) enter into the Provider's Contracts for Franchisee's E-Commerce Platform and to be the administrator thereof and have complete and unrestricted access thereto. In connection with such Franchisor-arranged E-Commerce Platform: (i) Franchisee shall remit to Franchisor (or, at Franchisor's direction, remit directly to the Provider) all fees, costs, expenses and reimbursements required to be paid to the Provider; and (ii) Franchisee shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Provider's Contracts and all mandatory policies issued by Franchisor or Provider in connection therewith.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if Apricot Lane acts as the administrator for a franchisee's E-Commerce Platform, it will have complete and unrestricted access to it. This means Apricot Lane can manage and oversee all aspects of the online store.
This arrangement allows Apricot Lane to ensure brand consistency and quality control across all online platforms. It also enables them to implement changes and updates to the E-Commerce Platform as needed to maintain competitiveness. The franchisee is obligated to comply with all terms and conditions of the Provider's Contracts and mandatory policies issued by Apricot Lane or the Provider.
However, franchisees are responsible for remitting all fees, costs, expenses, and reimbursements required by the Provider, either directly to the Provider or to Apricot Lane. Franchisees must also maintain any required insurance policies related to the E-Commerce Platform and indemnify Apricot Lane against any liabilities or expenses incurred in connection with the platform. This includes liabilities arising under the Provider Contracts.
While Apricot Lane has complete access as the administrator, franchisees should be aware that they must still adhere to Apricot Lane's standards for development, design, marketing, sales, and operations, as outlined in the Confidential Operations Manual. This includes policies related to merchandise quality, image, digital media advertising, and other operational aspects. Franchisees are also limited to using only approved suppliers for the E-Commerce Platform's design, management, and maintenance services.