What might Cordova request from a potential new supplier for my Cordova franchise?
Cordova Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you want to purchase or lease a source restricted item from a supplier that has not been previously approved or designated by us in writing, you must send us a written request for approval and submit additional information that we may request. We may charge you a supplier review and testing fee and we may request that you send us samples from the supplier for testing and documentation from the supplier for evaluation. We may also require, subject to our discretion, that we be allowed to inspect the supplier's facilities. We will notify you of our approval or disapproval within a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days, after we receive your written request for approval and all additional information and samples that we may request. We may, in our discretion, withhold our approval. When evaluating the approval of a particular supplier, among other things, we consider: whether the supplier can demonstrate to our reasonable satisfaction the ability to meet our standards, specifications and production requirements, the supplier's quality control, whether or not we are the exclusive supplier of the particular item, whether or not our affiliate or affiliates are the exclusive supplier of the particular item, and whether or not the supplier's approval, in our sole determination, will allow us to advance the overall interests of the System.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cordova's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to purchase or lease a source restricted item from a supplier not already approved by Cordova, the franchisee must submit a written request for approval. Cordova may then request additional information from the franchisee regarding the supplier. This may include samples for testing and documentation for evaluation. Cordova also retains the right to inspect the supplier's facilities.
Cordova may also charge the franchisee a supplier review and testing fee. Cordova will then notify the franchisee of its decision, either approving or disapproving the supplier, within a reasonable time frame not exceeding 60 days. This timeline begins after Cordova receives the written request, all additional information, and any requested samples. However, Cordova retains the discretion to withhold approval.
When evaluating a supplier, Cordova considers several factors. These include the supplier's ability to meet Cordova's standards, specifications, and production requirements, as well as the supplier's quality control measures. Cordova also considers whether it or its affiliates are the exclusive supplier of the item in question. Finally, Cordova will assess whether approving the supplier will advance the overall interests of the Cordova system.