factual

Under what conditions can Craters & Freighters collect payments through direct debit?

Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

The Royalty Fee will be paid to Franchisor monthly via electronic funds transfer ("EFT") or other similar means (such as ACH or wire transfer) or as otherwise prescribed in the Operations Manuals. Regardless of the method of payment required by Franchisor, each Royalty Fee payment must be received by Franchisor on or before the twelfth (12th) day of the month. Franchisee agrees to comply with procedures specified by the Franchisor and/or perform such acts and deliver and execute such documents, including authorization for direct debits from the bank operating account of the Franchised Business, as may be necessary to assist in or accomplish payment by such method. Under this procedure, Franchisee will authorize Franchisor to initiate debit entries and/or credit correction entries to a designated checking or savings account for payments of fees and other amounts payable to Franchisor and any interest charged due thereon. In order to facilitate direct debits, the EFT Authorization is attached as Attachment C to this Agreement. It is Franchisee's responsibility to initiate electronic payments timely and accurately; any failure or refusal by Franchisee to make a timely and accurate payment of the Royalty Fee or any other fee or payment due and owing to Franchisor in accordance with this Agreement will grant Franchisor the right to use direct debit to fulfill Franchisee's obligation to collect such payment(s). Franchisor will provide Franchisee with written notice prior to collecting such payments through direct debit.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 49–50)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Craters & Freighters' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees typically pay their monthly royalty fees via electronic funds transfer (EFT), or similar methods like ACH or wire transfer. To facilitate direct debits, a Craters & Freighters franchisee must authorize the company to initiate debit entries to a designated checking or savings account for payments of fees and other amounts payable, including any interest charged. This authorization is formalized through an EFT Authorization form, included as Attachment C to the Franchise Agreement.

Craters & Freighters requires franchisees to make timely and accurate payments. If a franchisee fails or refuses to make a timely and accurate payment of the royalty fee or any other fee due to Craters & Freighters, the company reserves the right to use direct debit to fulfill the franchisee's payment obligation.

However, Craters & Freighters will provide the franchisee with written notice before collecting payments through direct debit. This ensures that the franchisee is informed before any such action is taken. Therefore, while direct debit is a standard option with proper authorization, it also serves as a recourse for Craters & Freighters in the event of payment delinquency by the franchisee.

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.