What is the timeframe for Cilantro Taco Grill to respond to proposed advertising material from a franchisee?
Cilantro_Taco_Grill Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You may develop advertising materials for your own use at your own cost, and you may use marketing materials that we may offer to you from time to time. You may not use any advertising or marketing materials, including press releases, unless they have been approved in advance in writing by us, which approval may be withheld in our discretion. We will respond to your request for approval within 15 days; however, if we do not respond within 15 days, the proposed advertising or marketing material is deemed "disapproved".
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–33)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Cilantro Taco Grill's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain written approval from Cilantro Taco Grill for all advertising and marketing materials, including press releases. Cilantro Taco Grill will respond to a franchisee's request for approval within 15 days. However, if Cilantro Taco Grill does not respond within this 15-day period, the proposed advertising or marketing material is considered disapproved.
This requirement means that franchisees need to plan their advertising campaigns well in advance to allow time for approval. The 15-day response window provides a defined timeframe, but the risk remains that materials could be deemed disapproved either explicitly or through lack of response. This could potentially delay marketing efforts and impact a franchisee's ability to promote their Cilantro Taco Grill location effectively.
In the franchise industry, it is common for franchisors to maintain control over advertising and marketing to ensure brand consistency and compliance with legal standards. The stipulation that a lack of response equates to disapproval is less common, and franchisees should be aware of this condition to avoid inadvertently using unapproved materials. Franchisees should proactively follow up on their submissions to ensure a response within the given timeframe.