What criteria does Crave Cookies use to evaluate and approve alternative suppliers?
Crave_Cookies Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you want to use a supplier that is not on our list of approved suppliers, you must request our approval in writing. We will grant or revoke approvals of suppliers based on criteria appropriate to the situation, which may include evaluations of the supplier's capacity, quality,
financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing, and performance reviews. Our criteria for approving suppliers are not available to you. We permit you to contract with alternative suppliers who meet our criteria only if you request our approval in writing, and we grant approval. There is no fee for us to review or approve an alternate supplier. We will provide you with written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier you propose within 30 days after receipt of your request. We may grant approvals of new suppliers or revoke past approvals of suppliers on written notice to you, or by updating our Manual.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 17–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crave Cookies's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wishes to use a supplier not already approved, they must request written approval from Crave Cookies. Crave Cookies will then evaluate the supplier based on criteria they deem appropriate for the situation. These criteria may include assessments of the supplier's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability. Crave Cookies may also conduct inspections, product testing, and performance reviews.
It is important to note that Crave Cookies's specific criteria for approving suppliers are not disclosed to franchisees. Crave Cookies will provide written notification of approval or disapproval within 30 days of the request. Crave Cookies may also grant or revoke supplier approvals by written notice or by updating their manual.
This means that while franchisees have the option to seek alternative suppliers, the approval process is at the discretion of Crave Cookies, and the exact standards used for evaluation are not transparent. Franchisees should be prepared to provide comprehensive information about any proposed supplier to support their request. It is also important to be aware that Crave Cookies can change their approved supplier list at any time.