Does the Crawlspace Medic franchise agreement allow for electronic signatures?
Crawlspace_Medic Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
software license agreements in the form that Franchisor requires for software Franchisor develops or acquires for use in the System. Currently this is Vonigo software.
- 12.3.5. Franchisee shall have and maintain adequate hardware and software in order to access the Internet at the speed required by Franchisor from time to time. Franchisee shall utilize the electronic mail account provided by Franchisor. Franchisee shall promptly read and respond to all electronic mail related to the Franchised Business no less often than on a daily basis and shall accept and acknowledge receipt of all electronic mail sent by Franchisor. Franchisee shall not establish any website or other listing on the Internet except as provided and specifically permitted herein.
- 12.3.6. Franchisor has established a website that provides information about the System and the products and services offered by the Crawlspace Medic System (the "Website"). Franchisor has sole discretion and control over the Website.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 42)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Crawlspace Medic Franchise Disclosure Document, it is not explicitly stated whether the franchise agreement allows for electronic signatures. However, the document does mention the franchisee's requirement to utilize an electronic mail account provided by Crawlspace Medic and promptly respond to electronic mail related to the franchised business on a daily basis. This suggests that electronic communication and potentially electronic documents are used within the Crawlspace Medic franchise system.
Additionally, the Crawlspace Medic franchise agreement requires franchisees to maintain adequate hardware and software to access the internet at speeds required by the franchisor. Franchisees must also pay all fees and expenses for technology required by the agreement, including costs for computer hardware and software, internet access, license fees, and help desk fees. This further indicates that technology and electronic communication play a significant role in the Crawlspace Medic franchise operations.
While the FDD excerpts do not directly address the use of electronic signatures, the emphasis on electronic communication and technology infrastructure suggests that Crawlspace Medic may be open to or even utilize electronic signatures for certain documents. A prospective franchisee should clarify this point with the franchisor during their due diligence to understand the specific requirements and procedures for signing agreements and other legal documents.