Under what conditions can Chatime revoke its approval of a franchisee's separate website?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If Franchisor approves a separate Website to be established by Franchisee, then:
Before establishing the Website, Franchisee must submit to Franchisor, for Franchisor's prior written approval, a sample of the proposed Website domain name, format, visible content (including, without limitation, proposed screen shots), and non-visible content (including, without limitation, metatags) in the form and manner that Franchisor may reasonably require; and Franchisee must not use or modify such Website without Franchisor's prior written approval as to such proposed use or modification;
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 58–262)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain prior written approval from Chatime before establishing a website that refers to the brand, the outlet, or the system. This approval extends to the website's domain name, format, visible content (such as screenshots), and non-visible content (like metatags).
Once Chatime approves a franchisee's separate website, the franchisee cannot use or modify the website without obtaining further prior written approval from Chatime for any proposed use or modification. This means that any changes, no matter how small, must be submitted to Chatime for approval before implementation.
This requirement gives Chatime significant control over the franchisee's online presence, ensuring brand consistency and preventing any unauthorized representation of the Chatime brand. A prospective franchisee should carefully consider the implications of this control and the potential administrative burden of seeking approval for all website changes.