Is a Bambu franchisee required to participate in all promotional campaigns prescribed by Bambu?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 13.7 Loyalty Rewards and Other Promotional Programs.
Except as prohibited or limited by law, Franchisee shall fully participate in all promotional campaigns, prize contests, customer loyalty rewards programs, special offers, discount programs, social media programs, and other programs, whether international, national, regional, or local in nature (including the introduction of new products or services or other marketing programs directed or approved by Bambu), which are prescribed from time to time by Bambu.
Franchisee shall participate in Bambu's customer loyalty rewards program and be responsible for the costs of such participation.
In addition, Franchisee shall honor any coupons, customer loyalty rewards program points or credits, discounts, or other authorized promotional offers of Bambu at Franchisee's sole cost unless otherwise specified in writing by Bambu.
Franchisee acknowledges that Bambu frequently implements such promotions intended to increase customer awareness and build business on an international, national, regional, or local level, and Franchisee's participation in these promotions is essential to their success.
Franchisee acknowledges that Bambu has no obligation to reimburse Franchisee for the costs associated with participating in these promotions.
From time to time a promotion may not benefit all franchisees in the Bambū system; and if the promotion is not offered in the region, or another unknown hardship arises, Bambu may, at Bambu's option, exempt Franchisee and/or other franchisees on a case-by-case basis.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to participate in promotional campaigns. Specifically, franchisees must participate in all promotional campaigns, prize contests, customer loyalty rewards programs, special offers, discount programs, and social media programs that Bambu prescribes. These programs can be international, national, regional, or local. This includes the introduction of new products or services or other marketing programs directed or approved by Bambu. Franchisees must also participate in Bambu's customer loyalty rewards program and bear the costs of participation. Franchisees are also obligated to honor any coupons, customer loyalty rewards program points or credits, discounts, or other authorized promotional offers at their own cost, unless Bambu specifies otherwise in writing. Bambu does not have to reimburse franchisees for the costs of these promotions.
Bambu believes that franchisee participation in these promotions is essential for increasing customer awareness and building the business. However, Bambu may exempt a franchisee from a promotion on a case-by-case basis if the promotion is not offered in the franchisee's region or if another hardship arises.
This requirement to participate in promotional campaigns is fairly standard in franchising, as it ensures brand consistency and coordinated marketing efforts across all locations. However, the franchisee bears the costs of participation, which could impact profitability. The possibility of exemptions in certain hardship cases offers some flexibility, but it is at Bambu's discretion.