What is the deadline for submitting written proof of advertising costs to Carls to receive grand opening reimbursement?
Carls Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
manage any advertising fund.
In the fiscal year ended January 29, 2024, of the total monies spent by the Funds, 4% was spent for production; 83% was spent for media placement; 1% was spent on research/marketing consulting fees; and 12% was spent for miscellaneous expenses, including administrative expenses. No money was spent by the Funds to solicit new franchisees.
You may, during the period beginning 30 days before the scheduled opening of your Franchised Restaurant and continuing for 90 days after your Franchised Restaurant first opens for business ("Grand Opening Period"), conduct such grand opening advertising as CJR and you deem appropriate. CJR will reimburse you up to $5,000, in accordance with our Grand Opening Policy as may be in effect from time to
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 41–54)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Carls's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee has a limited window to conduct grand opening advertising, specifically from 30 days before the restaurant's opening to 90 days after it opens. Carls will reimburse up to $5,000 for these advertising costs if they were pre-approved and meet the Franchise Agreement's local advertising requirements.
To receive this reimbursement from Carls, the franchisee must provide written proof of the advertising and its costs no later than 90 days after the restaurant's opening. This means that franchisees need to meticulously document all advertising expenses during their grand opening period and submit them promptly to meet the deadline.
It is important to note that the advertising must be pre-approved by Carls to qualify for reimbursement. This implies that franchisees should work closely with Carls to ensure their advertising plans align with the brand's standards and are likely to be approved. Failing to obtain pre-approval or missing the submission deadline could result in the franchisee not receiving the $5,000 reimbursement.