What must a Ben Jerrys franchisee submit to the franchisor by the 15th of each month regarding advertising?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
During any time you are required to make contributions or expenditures, you must submit to us, by the 15th day of each month, a report describing the amount of money contributed or expended on advertising during the previous month.
Additionally, you must retain, and as requested or specified in the Manual, submit bills, statements, invoices, or other documentation regarding your advertising or marketing activities.
See Item 11 under the subheading "Advertising" for more information.
See also Note 5 regarding the advertising requirements of Existing Franchisees.
- (A) Local Advertising and Promotion.
We may require you to spend during any year, for the purpose of local advertising and promotion, an amount that we specify (up to the maximum for Advertising Obligations described above).
The exact amount of your local advertising and promotional expenditure will be specified by us in the Manual or otherwise in writing.
We will provide you with a list of approved local marketing and promotional expenditures.
You must submit for approval any proposed local marketing and promotional expenditure that has not been approved by us.
You must participate in mandatory advertising and promotions that we develop from time to time, which will count towards your advertising requirement.
- (B) The Fund.
As described in Item 11, we have established the Fund for national or system-wide advertising and promotion of the System.
We may require you to contribute to the Fund in an amount determined by us (up to the maximum for Advertising Obligations described above).
- (C) Cooperatives.
We have the right to designate one or more geographical areas for the purpose of establishing a regional marketing and promotional fund or cooperative (each a "Cooperative").
If a Cooperative is in existence for the geographic area in which your Shop is located, we may require you to participate in and contribute to the Cooperative in an amount to be determined by us (up to the maximum for Advertising Obligations described above).
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 23–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to submit a report to Ben Jerrys by the 15th of each month detailing the amount of money contributed or spent on advertising during the previous month. This report ensures transparency and accountability in how advertising funds are being utilized. If the 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the contribution will be due on the next business day.
In addition to the monthly report, Ben Jerrys franchisees must also retain and submit, upon request or as specified in the Manual, bills, statements, invoices, or other documentation related to their advertising or marketing activities. This allows Ben Jerrys to verify the accuracy of the reported advertising expenditures and ensure compliance with the franchise agreement.
These requirements apply during any period when franchisees are obligated to make contributions or expenditures on advertising, which may include local advertising and promotion, contributions to the Fund for national or system-wide advertising, or contributions to a Cooperative if one exists in the franchisee's geographic area. Ben Jerrys may specify the exact amount required for local advertising and promotion in the Manual or in writing and will provide a list of approved local marketing and promotional expenditures. Franchisees must also seek approval for any proposed local marketing and promotional expenditure not already approved by Ben Jerrys.