As a Cicis franchisee, is the franchisee required to identify themselves as the owner of a franchise in dealings with customers and vendors?
Cicis Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
This Agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship between you and us. You and we are and will be independent contractors, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to make either you or us a general or special agent, joint venturer, partner, or employee of the other for any purpose. You agree to identify yourself conspicuously in all dealings with customers, vendors, public officials, your personnel, and others as the owner of your business under a franchise we have granted and to place notices of independent ownership on the business cards, advertising, and other materials we periodically require.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 65–263)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cicis's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, as a franchisee, you are required to identify yourself as the owner of your business operating under a Cicis franchise in all dealings with customers, vendors, public officials, and your personnel. This means you must conspicuously present yourself as an independent owner who has been granted a franchise by Cicis.
This identification must be evident on business cards, advertising materials, and any other materials that Cicis periodically requires. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure clarity that the franchisee is an independent contractor and not an agent, employee, or partner of Cicis itself. This distinction is important for legal and operational reasons, as it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each party.
By adhering to this requirement, franchisees help maintain the integrity of the franchise system and avoid any potential confusion about the relationship between the franchisee, Cicis, and third parties. This also reinforces the understanding that franchisees are responsible for their own business operations and obligations under the franchise agreement.