How quickly will the mediator deal with any matter after referral for Chatime?

According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a mediator is expected to address any referred matter as expeditiously as possible, with a deadline of no later than 30 business days after the referral. This timeline provides a structured framework for resolving disputes through mediation.

This means that if a dispute arises between a Chatime franchisee and the company that proceeds to mediation, the mediator is expected to act promptly to facilitate resolution. The 30-business-day timeframe ensures that the mediation process moves forward without undue delay, encouraging both parties to engage actively in finding a solution. This can help prevent disputes from escalating and potentially damaging the relationship between the franchisee and Chatime.

It's important to note that while the mediator is expected to act quickly, they do not have the power to make any decision binding on the parties. The goal of mediation is to facilitate a mutually agreeable resolution, and both the franchisee and Chatime must be willing to compromise and negotiate in good faith. If mediation is unsuccessful, the dispute may proceed to arbitration, as detailed elsewhere in the Franchise Agreement.