Must a Chatime franchisee comply with the franchisor's standards, policies, and procedures for websites?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (a) In addition to any other applicable requirements, Franchisee must comply with Franchisor's standards, policies and procedures and specifications for Websites as prescribed by Franchisor from time to time in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing;
- (b) If required by Franchisor, Franchisee must at its Cost update the Website from to time to time so that it is consistent with the then-current image, standards and specifications as notified by Franchisor;
- (c) Franchisee must ensure that none of Franchisor's Confidential Information, such as the Operations Manual and any Operations Manual Addendum is accessible to the public via any Website;
- (d) Franchisee must not offer any products or services on the Website without Franchisor's prior written consent and if Franchisor permits Franchisee to sell products or services on the Website, Franchisee must use the web hosting company designated by Franchisor and any shopping cart software specified by Franchisor;
- (e) If required by Franchisor, Franchisee must establish such hyperlinks to Franchisor's Website and others as Franchisor may request in writing; and
- (f) Franchisor may revoke its approval at any time, in writing, and require that Franchisee discontinue use of a separate Website. If Franchisor revokes its approval under this clause Franchisee must if required by Franchisor, immediately take all steps and execute all documents reasonably necessary to assign or transfer any domain name license to Franchisor or its nominee or if necessary, cancel any domain name used in connection with The Franchised Business.
- (4) If Franchisee becomes aware of any Person using or referring to the Marks on their Website, then it must immediately notify Franchisor.
- (5) Franchisor may require Franchisee to offer and sell certain Products and services on Franchisee's Website.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to Chatime's standards, policies, procedures, and specifications for websites. These guidelines are communicated by Chatime through the Operations Manual or in writing. Franchisees are responsible for updating their websites to align with Chatime's current image, standards, and specifications, and must ensure that confidential information, like the Operations Manual, remains inaccessible to the public.
Without prior written consent from Chatime, franchisees cannot offer any products or services on their websites. If Chatime permits online sales, franchisees must use the web hosting company and shopping cart software designated by Chatime. Additionally, Chatime may require franchisees to establish hyperlinks to Chatime's website or others as specified in writing. Chatime retains the right to revoke website approval at any time, requiring franchisees to discontinue the use of separate websites and transfer any domain name licenses to Chatime or cancel the domain name if necessary.
Franchisees are obligated to notify Chatime immediately if they become aware of any unauthorized use of Chatime's trademarks on other websites. Chatime may also require franchisees to offer and sell specific products and services on their own websites. Compliance with these website standards is a key component of maintaining the Chatime brand's consistency and protecting its confidential information across all online platforms.