Can the Beyond Juicery Eatery agreement be executed via electronic mail?
Beyond_Juicery_Eatery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This EFT Authorization may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which when so executed shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one (1) and the same instrument. This EFT Authorization may be executed on signature pages exchanged by electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by such electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this EFT Authorization.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 60–337)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Beyond Juicery Eatery Franchise Disclosure Document, while the franchise agreement itself isn't explicitly mentioned as being executable via electronic mail, the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authorization agreement can be executed and exchanged through electronic mail. Specifically, this includes using PDF documents or any electronic signature that complies with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000. This act covers electronic signatures like those obtained through services such as www.docusign.com. Counterparts of the EFT Authorization agreement that are transmitted via electronic transmission are considered original executed counterparts for all purposes related to the authorization.
This means that while franchisees may need to sign the main franchise agreement in person or through traditional methods, they can complete and submit the EFT Authorization form electronically. This authorization allows Beyond Juicery Eatery to automatically debit royalty and marketing fees, as well as any late fees, interest, or other charges, from the franchisee's bank account on a weekly basis. The amount debited is based on the gross sales of the Beyond Juicery Eatery restaurant for the preceding week, ending on Sunday.
The authorization extends to various fees and purchases associated with the restaurant, including marketing fees, liquidated damages, non-compliance fees, required local advertising expenditures not incurred, and required purchases. This process streamlines payment procedures and ensures that Beyond Juicery Eatery receives timely payments from its franchisees. The franchisee is required to attach a blank copy of a check to provide the necessary bank information for the EFT setup.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the scope of the EFT Authorization and the types of fees that can be automatically debited from their account. Franchisees should carefully review the terms of the authorization and ensure they are comfortable with the payment schedule and the potential for various charges to be debited electronically. This electronic authorization aims to simplify financial transactions between Beyond Juicery Eatery and its franchisees, but it also places a responsibility on the franchisee to monitor their account and ensure sufficient funds are available to cover the automatic debits.