Can the Bambu Marketing and Technology Fund invest any surplus?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Bambu may spend in any fiscal year an amount greater or less than the aggregate contribution of all Bambū shoppes to the Marketing and Technology Fund in that year and the Marketing
and Technology Fund may borrow from Bambu or other lenders to cover deficits or cause the Marketing and Technology Fund to invest any surplus for future use. The Marketing and Technology Fund may be incorporated or operated through an entity separate from Bambu at such time as Bambu deems appropriate, and such successor entity shall have all rights and duties of Bambu pursuant to this Section 13.3.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Marketing and Technology Fund may invest any surplus for future use. Bambu can also spend more or less than the aggregate contribution of all Bambu shops in any fiscal year. To cover deficits, the Marketing and Technology Fund may borrow from Bambu or other lenders.
This means that Bambu has the discretion to manage the fund's finances to ensure its long-term viability and effectiveness. The ability to invest surpluses allows the fund to grow and potentially support future marketing initiatives. The ability to borrow funds provides flexibility to address short-term financial needs.
Bambu has the right to incorporate the Marketing and Technology Fund or operate it through a separate entity. If this occurs, the successor entity will assume all rights and duties of Bambu related to the fund. This provides Bambu with flexibility in how the fund is structured and managed, potentially allowing for greater efficiency or compliance with legal requirements.
As a franchisee, it's important to understand that Bambu has significant control over the Marketing and Technology Fund. While the fund is intended to benefit all Bambu shops, there's no guarantee that expenditures will be proportionate to contributions or that any particular shop will directly benefit from the fund's activities.