What level of equipment, supplies, and personnel must an Azal Coffee franchisee maintain?
Azal_Coffee Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We may require or authorize you to use certain technology in connection with the Franchise Business, which may include websites, point of sale and customer management systems (which may include computer hardware, software, mobile applications, web-based systems, licenses to use proprietary software or systems, etc.), intranet, extranet, web-based systems, other electronic media, and/or other technology specified by us (the "Franchise Technology"). Uses of the Franchise Technology may include advertising for all Azal Coffees, lists of Azal Coffees, on-line ordering, inventory control for Stores, entering sales and other information, projecting sales, reviewing reports, placing orders with suppliers, posting the Brand Standards Manual and communication between us, franchisees and customers. You must acquire and use the Franchise Technology specified by us in the Franchise Business and in the manner specified by us. Your access to and use of the Franchise Technology is subject to your compliance with the terms and conditions of use and other policies and procedures specified by us. You agree to comply with those terms, conditions, policies and procedures. You must pay all required license fees, service fees, management fees, and support, maintenance, update, and upgrade costs to use and maintain the Franchise Technology in the manner specified by us. We may change or modify the Franchise Technology in the future, including changes in the specifications and components relating to the Franchise Technology. In that case, you must obtain and begin to use the changed or modified Franchise Technology within thirty (30) days after you receive written notice from us.
7.3 Additional Training, Sales Programs and Meetings.
A Designated Owner (or, if specified by us, the General Manager or other management employees) must, solely at your expense, attend additional training, sales programs, and meetings reasonably specified by us, including regular periodic franchise meetings if specified by us. We will give reasonable notice of any additional specified training, sales programs, and meetings. We may require you to pay a reasonable charge for any training provided to you and/or your managers beyond the initial training program described in Section 7.1. Any fees we charge will be uniform as to all persons attending additional training at that time. We may require that you complete additional training before offering new Authorized Products from the Franchise Business.
We may require that your managers, including replacement managers in the event any previously trained manager-level employees are no longer employed at the Franchise Business, satisfactorily complete our training programs and additional training programs. We may charge reasonable fees for training managers. You are responsible for paying the wages or salaries, expenses for travel, food and lodging incurred by your employees during all training courses and programs. You agree to assist us in training other Azal Coffee franchisees; provided that, we must reimburse you for any expenses you incur in providing this assistance.
If you or your management personnel fail to attend required additional training without our consent, we may charge you liquidated damages under Section 15.7.
If you request additional assistance at any time, you will be responsible for our trainer's per diem fee and related travel costs. You must also pay wages, employment related expenses, travel, and living expenses for your employees. If we, in our sole discretion, complete the opening assistance and training and determine that your management staff needs additional training, you are responsible for the additional training costs, including wages, travel, and living expenses of our staff. If you or any member of your team fails to complete the training program to our satisfaction, in our sole and unfettered judgment, we may terminate this Agreement.
We have the right to set advertising policies and procedures that you must follow. These advertising policies and procedures may include required promotions, limiting marketing to a certain area so that you are not directing marketing to another franchisee's area, and limiting the type of marketing that you may use.
All advertising by you in any medium, including signage, must be factual and dignified, must conform to our standards and specifications, and to the highest standards of ethical advertising practice, and must be approved by us in writing before it is used. You must submit to us for approval all marketing and promotion materials, including signage, prepared by you for the Franchise Business and not prepared by or previously approved by us. These materials must be submitted at least thirty (30) days before use. If we do not approve advertising submitted to us in writing within the thirty (30) day period, the advertising shall be deemed disapproved. We have the right to disapprove the use of any advertising materials by you at any time. You must discontinue the use of advertising materials immediately on receipt of our written notice, even if we previously approved the use of advertising materials. You must not use any advertising materials not approved by us. You agree to refrain from any business or advertising that may be injurious to our business, or the goodwill associated with the Franchise Marks and Franchise Systems and other Stores.
If specified by us, all of your advertising must contain notices of: (a) our website domain name or other Digital Marketing specified by us; (b) our toll-free telephone number; and/or (c) a statement regarding the availability of Azal Coffee franchises. To the extent possible, you must include the following language in all advertising: "Each Azal Coffee is independently owned and operated." All materials containing our proprietary Marks must include the designation service mark SM, trademark TM, registered trademark ®, copyright ©, or any other designation we specify.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 51)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Azal Coffee franchisees must adhere to specific operational standards, including technology, training, and advertising. Azal Coffee may require franchisees to use certain technologies such as point-of-sale systems, customer management systems, and web-based platforms. Franchisees are responsible for all costs associated with these technologies, including license, service, and maintenance fees. Azal Coffee can modify these technology requirements, and franchisees must adapt to these changes within 30 days of written notice.
Azal Coffee requires a Designated Owner, General Manager, or other management employees to attend additional training, sales programs, and meetings. Franchisees are responsible for all expenses related to this training, including travel, food, and lodging for their employees. Azal Coffee may also charge fees for the training programs. Failure to attend required training may result in liquidated damages. Additionally, franchisees may request further assistance, but they will be responsible for the trainer's per diem fee and related travel costs.
Azal Coffee has the right to set advertising policies and procedures that franchisees must follow. All advertising must be factual, dignified, and conform to Azal Coffee's standards. Franchisees must submit all marketing and promotion materials for approval at least 30 days before use, and Azal Coffee retains the right to disapprove any advertising materials. Franchisees must also include specific notices in their advertising, such as the Azal Coffee website, toll-free number, and a statement indicating that each location is independently owned and operated. These measures ensure brand consistency and quality across all Azal Coffee franchise locations.