Under what conditions is a Chatime franchisee required to update their website, and who determines the standards for these updates?
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.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee is required to update their website at their own cost if Chatime requires it. This update must ensure the website aligns with Chatime's current image, standards, and specifications, as communicated by Chatime.
Chatime sets the standards, policies, procedures, and specifications for franchisee websites. These standards are communicated through the Operations Manual or in writing. Franchisees must also ensure that no confidential information, like the Operations Manual, is accessible to the public via their website.
Furthermore, Chatime maintains control over the products and services offered on the website, requiring prior written consent for any offerings. Chatime also designates the web hosting company and shopping cart software to be used. Chatime can also require specific hyperlinks to its own website or others. Chatime retains the right to revoke approval for a franchisee's website at any time, requiring the franchisee to discontinue its use and transfer any domain name licenses to Chatime if required.