From whom must a Bambu franchisee purchase personal property, signage, and equipment if required by Bambu?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ng marks on any signs shall only be used in accordance with Bambu's standards and specifications and only with the prior written approval of Bambu.
5.5 Equipment and Inventory. Franchisee shall purchase or otherwise obtain for use or sale at the Franchised Location and in connection with the Bambū shoppe equipment and inventory of a type and in a quantity which complies with the standards and specifications of Bambu. Franchisee acknowledges that the type, quality, configuration, capability and performance of the equipment, inventory and other products and services used or offered through the Bambū shoppe are all standards and specifications which are a part of the Bambū system and therefore such equipment, inventory, products and other items must be purchased, leased or otherwise obtained in accordance with Bambu's standards and specifications and only from Bambu, its affiliates or suppliers and distributors approved or designated by Bambu ("Suppliers"). All menu boards must meet Bambu's specifications as to size, layout and location in Franchisee's Bambū shoppe.
5.6 POS System, Merchant Service, Computers and Telecommunications.
- a. Franchisee shall purchase or lease for use in the operation of the Bambū shoppe an electronic cash register system, including hardware and software to service the Bambu loyalty rewards program, inventory, and timekeeping applications ("POS System") that meets Bambu's specifications and from a supplier designated by Bambu. Franchisee shall acquire and equip the Bambū shoppe with such other computers, equipment and applications as designated by Bambu from time to time. Such equipment may include hardware, software and possible online subscription applications. Bambu reserves the right to independently access sales and other information about the performance of the Bambū shoppe through the POS System or through any other computer or online system of Franchisee, without restriction. Franchisee is also required to own and use a mobile smart phone or other device agreed to in writing by Bambu that meets Bambu's standards and specifications, with a minimum of 1 GB of combined data plan, that can and will be kept on and used to receive and send communications via SMS, as defined in Section 8.4. Franchisee shall be responsible for all ongoing license, support, maintenance and updates to facilitate operation of the POS System and any required applications.
- b. Franchisee, at Franchisee's sole cost, shall acquire high-speed Internet service that meets Bambu's then current standards to effectively operate its POS System at the Franchised Location. Franchisee's Internet service shall also include in-shoppe customer Internet accessibility. At any time on 90 days' notice, Bambu may require Franchisee to purchase different or additional services, hardware, software, and applications, including but not limited to a different POS System, that meets Bambu's minimum specifications, and may also require that Franchisee pay any related subscription fees.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must purchase equipment and inventory that adheres to Bambu's standards and specifications. These items must be purchased from Bambu, its affiliates, or approved suppliers and distributors, also known as "Suppliers". Menu boards must also meet Bambu's specifications regarding size, layout, and location within the store.
For the electronic cash register system (POS System), including hardware and software, a franchisee is required to purchase or lease from a supplier designated by Bambu. The franchisee must also acquire other computers, equipment, and applications designated by Bambu from time to time. Bambu retains the right to access sales and performance information through the POS system or any other computer system of the franchisee.
Bambu reserves the right to derive revenue from franchisee purchases, regardless of whether the purchase is made from Bambu, its affiliates, or another designated or approved source. If a franchisee wishes to use a supplier not already approved by Bambu, they must submit a written request for approval. Bambu may inspect suppliers' facilities and products to ensure compliance with their standards. Bambu can withhold approval for any reason, including protecting trade secrets or based on the terms offered compared to current suppliers. Bambu may also require samples for testing and may impose a charge of $150 per hour for testing and investigation of a proposed new supplier request, with the franchisee also required to pay reasonable costs incurred by Bambu in connection with the testing and investigation.