factual

What is the Circle K franchisee's responsibility regarding the use of Customer Information in compliance with the Business Systems Manuals?

Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

be licensed to Franchisee pursuant to the Electronic Point of Sale and Software Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 2 (the "Software Agreement"), which Franchisee is required to execute, and Franchisee will be required to pay a monthly fee set forth in the Software Agreement. Franchisee will be solely responsible for performing all recordkeeping duties and all such records will be maintained according to the mandatory provisions of the Business Systems Manuals. Franchisor reserves the right to require Franchisee to enter into a separate agreement with a third party designated by Franchisor covering the use and maintenance of the systems required for the Store, including the EPOS System and/or any other Computer Systems or communication software Franchisor deems necessary to operate the Store or to collect data from the Store. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that it will not be excused from performing any of its obligations hereunder as a result of the failure or malfunction of either the EPOS System or the Computer Systems. It is Franchisee's responsibility to make sure that it is in compliance with all laws that are applicable to the EPOS System or other technology used in the operation of Franchisee's Store, including all data protection, privacy or security laws as well as payment card industry (PCI) and Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) compliance.

Exhibit F - Franchise Agreement 11.2 Participation in Website or Other Online Communication Systems. Franchisor has the right to require Franchisee, at Franchisee's expense, to participate in a "Circle K" extranet website or other online communication systems. Franchisor has the right to determine the content and use of any websites or other online communication systems and will establish the rules under which its franchisees (including Franchisee) will participate. Franchisor will retain all rights relating to any website or other online communication systems and may alter or terminate the site or systems. Franchisee's use of and general conduct on any website or other online communication systems, including on any social media accounts, specifically its use of the Marks, domain names

or any advertising on any website, online communication systems or social media accounts, is subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Franchisee acknowledges that certain information obtained through its participation in the extranet website or other online communication systems may be considered confidential information, including access and identification codes. Franchisee's right to participate in any website or other online communication systems (including social media accounts) or otherwise use the Marks or the Business System on the internet terminates when this Agreement expires or terminates.

  • 11.3 Franchisor Access to Data; Reports; Financial Statements. Franchisor will have ownership of, and direct and full access to, all Store-related data and related information by such means as Franchisor may from time to time require, including without limitation, via third party vendors, direct access telephone, data transmission lines, or modem, and Franchisor may use same to the extent permitted by applicable law. Simultaneously with the payment of Royalty Fees hereunder, Franchisee will submit to Franchisor, electronically or otherwise in writing as required by Franchisor, Store sales reports that include an itemization by product/service category as required by Franchisor (e.g., merchandise sales, lottery sales, money order sales, etc.) for sales made during the previous month from the Store, which reports shall include calculation of Gross Sales and Royalty Fees, Co-Branded Fees and Promotional Fees, in such format and with such level of detail as required by Franchisor. In addition, Franchisee is required to provide Franchisor with Franchisee's monthly profit and loss statements in a format prescribed by Franchisor. Such profit and loss statements (which shall include both the relevant month and year-to-date periods) must be submitted to Franchisor within 45 days of each month-end. Additionally, Franchisee is required on a periodic basis to provide to Franchisor financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or in accordance with the federal income tax basis of accounting. All reporting requirements are more fully set forth in the mandatory provisions of the Business Systems Manuals.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 100)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for maintaining records according to the mandatory provisions outlined in the Business Systems Manuals. The term 'Confidential Information' is defined to include, among other things, Customer Information. Franchisees must use reasonable means to keep all Confidential Information secret and confidential, and they are prohibited from copying any Confidential Information, or any portion thereof, without written approval from Circle K, and can only use it as permitted under the Franchise Agreement.

This means that Circle K franchisees must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Business Systems Manuals regarding the handling, storage, and usage of customer data. These guidelines are put in place to protect the confidentiality and privacy of customer information, which is considered a valuable asset of the Circle K brand. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in a breach of the franchise agreement.

Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws related to the technology used in their Circle K store, including data protection, privacy, and security laws, as well as payment card industry (PCI) and Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) compliance. This highlights the importance of staying informed about and adhering to the latest regulations concerning data security and customer privacy. Franchisees should consult with legal and IT professionals to ensure they have the necessary systems and procedures in place to meet these requirements.

Circle K also has the right to require the franchisee to participate in a Circle K extranet website or other online communication systems, at the franchisee's expense. Franchisees should be aware that certain information obtained through these systems may be considered confidential, and their right to participate terminates when the Franchise Agreement expires or terminates.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.