Does Chem Dry have sole discretion to apply payments from the franchisee, regardless of the franchisee's designation?
Chem_Dry Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
CDI and FRANCHISEE may by written instrument unilaterally waive or reduce any obligation of or restriction upon the other under this Agreement, effective upon delivery of written notice thereof to the other or another effective date stated in the notice of waiver. Any waiver granted by CDI shall be without prejudice to any other rights CDI, or its affiliates, may have, and will be subject to continuing review by CDI and may be revoked, in CDI's sole discretion, at any time and for any reason, effective upon delivery to FRANCHISEE of ten (10) days prior written notice. CDI and FRANCHISEE shall not be deemed to have waived or impaired any right, power or option reserved by this Agreement (including, without limitation, CDI's right to demand exact compliance with every term, condition, and covenant or to declare any breach to be a default and to terminate this Agreement before its term expires) by virtue of any custom or practice of the parties at variance with the terms hereof; any failure, refusal or neglect of CDI or FRANCHISEE to exercise any rights under this Agreement or to insist upon exact compliance by the other with its obligations hereunder; any waiver, forbearance, delay, failure or omission by CDI, or its affiliates, to exercise any right, power or option, whether of the same, similar or different nature, with respect to other CHEM-DRY Businesses; the existence of franchise agreements for other CHEM-DRY Businesses which contain provisions different from those
contained in this Agreement; or the acceptance by CDI, or its affiliates, of any payments due from FRANCHISEE after any breach of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 68–264)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chem Dry's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Chem Dry has the right to accept payments from franchisees even if there has been a breach of the agreement. This acceptance of payments does not waive Chem Dry's right to address the breach.
This means that if a Chem Dry franchisee violates the franchise agreement but continues to make payments, Chem Dry can accept those payments without giving up its right to take action against the franchisee for the violation. This protects Chem Dry's ability to enforce the terms of the agreement while still receiving payments.
For a prospective Chem Dry franchisee, this clause highlights the importance of adhering to the franchise agreement. Even if Chem Dry continues to accept payments, they retain the right to enforce the agreement's terms, potentially leading to penalties or termination if violations persist.