What are 'Approved Supplies' according to City Wide?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To maintain the high standards of the quality assurance program and ensure compliance with products specifications, we encourage you to purchase, lease, or license any inventory, products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and other items or services necessary to operate the Franchised Business ("Approved Supplies") from manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors previously approved in writing by CITY WIDE ("Approved Suppliers"). All items must conform to current CITY WIDE standards. You must comply with CITY WIDE specifications for brands and types of equipment used in operation of the Franchised Business. From time to time, CITY WIDE will provide you with a list of Approved Suppliers authorized for the Franchised Business ("Approved Suppliers List") and a list of Approved Supplies ("Approved Supplies List").
From time to time as set forth in the Operating Manual, CITY WIDE may designate suppliers on the Approved Suppliers List as required suppliers ("Required Suppliers") from whom you must purchase inventory, products, services or other items and services. Currently, on the list of Required Suppliers is ADP Payroll Services. You may not use payroll services from any other provider. We, or our affiliate, is a Required Supplier for each of your Technology Systems (defined below) and for the IT Services (defined below).
The suggested or mandatory specifications, product lines, standards, operating procedures, and rules required for Locations may also appear in the Operating Manual. CITY WIDE may periodically modify the Operating Manual to reflect changes in the specifications, product lines, standards, operating procedures, and rules. Similarly, CITY WIDE may revise the Approved Suppliers List and Approved Supplies List from time to time in at sole and absolute right. Any changes to or modifications of the System, the Operating Manual, the Approved Suppliers List, Approved Supplies List, or any standard will be promptly communicated to all Franchisees.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 24–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Approved Supplies are defined as any inventory, products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies, and other items or services necessary to operate the Franchised Business. City Wide requires franchisees to purchase or lease these Approved Supplies from manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors that City Wide has previously approved in writing, referred to as "Approved Suppliers." All items must conform to City Wide's current standards.
City Wide provides franchisees with a list of Approved Suppliers and a separate list of Approved Supplies, both of which may be revised periodically at City Wide's discretion. Some suppliers on the Approved Suppliers List may be designated as "Required Suppliers," from whom franchisees must purchase specific items or services. Currently, ADP Payroll Services is a Required Supplier, and franchisees may not use payroll services from any other provider. City Wide or its affiliate is also a Required Supplier for each of the franchisee's Technology Systems and IT Services.
The specifications, product lines, standards, operating procedures, and rules for locations may also be detailed in the Operating Manual, which City Wide may modify periodically. Any changes to the system, the Operating Manual, the Approved Suppliers List, or any standard will be communicated to all franchisees. This system ensures that franchisees maintain the quality and standards of the City Wide brand by using approved and sometimes required resources for their business operations.