What costs will a City Wide franchisee incur for City Wide's inspection and evaluation of a proposed supply or supplier?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
re required to use for the first twelve months after you have completed the initial training program.
If you propose to use at your Location any equipment or any brand of product which is not currently approved by CITY WIDE, or to purchase any product from a supplier that is not then designated by CITY WIDE as an Approved Supplier on CITY WIDE's Approved Suppliers List, you must first notify CITY WIDE and must, upon request by CITY WIDE, submit samples or other information as CITY WIDE requires for examination and testing or to otherwise determine whether the proposed supply or supplier meets CITY WIDE's specifications and quality standards. CITY WIDE will not consider franchise owners or their affiliates requesting to become Approved Suppliers. A charge not to exceed the reasonable cost of CITY WIDE's inspection and evaluation, which CITY WIDE generally anticipates to range not to exceed $250, plus the actual cost of any test will be paid to CITY WIDE by you or the supplier. CITY WIDE will notify you within 45 business days whether it approves or disapproves of the proposed supply or supplier. If CITY WIDE approves the proposed supply or supplier, you will be permitted to purchase that supply or use that supplier in connection with your Franchised Business unless such approval is revoked. CITY WIDE reserves the right at its option, to re-inspect the facilities and products of any supplier of an approved it
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, if a franchisee wants to use equipment, a brand of product, or a supplier not already approved by City Wide, they must first notify City Wide. Upon request, the franchisee must submit samples or information for examination and testing to determine if the proposed supply or supplier meets City Wide's standards. City Wide does not consider franchise owners or their affiliates to become approved suppliers.
The franchisee will be responsible for covering the costs associated with City Wide's inspection and evaluation of the proposed supply or supplier. This charge will not exceed the reasonable cost of City Wide's inspection and evaluation, which City Wide generally anticipates will not exceed $250, plus the actual cost of any tests. City Wide will then notify the franchisee within 45 business days whether it approves or disapproves of the proposed supply or supplier.
If City Wide approves the proposed supply or supplier, the franchisee can use them unless the approval is revoked. City Wide retains the right to re-inspect the facilities and products of any supplier and revoke approval if the supplier fails to meet City Wide's criteria. This process ensures that all suppliers meet City Wide's quality and operational standards, protecting the brand's reputation and consistency.
City Wide applies specific criteria when designating a proposed supplier as an Approved Supplier, including the ability to meet City Wide's quality specifications, production and delivery capability, adherence to City Wide's standards, and the integrity of the supplier. These criteria help maintain the quality and consistency of products and services used throughout the City Wide franchise system.