Can the Cream Brand Fund be used to pay for developing, implementing, and maintaining any applications?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We are not required to spend any amount on marketing within any particular market. We will have exclusive control over all programs and services administered by the Brand Fund, including over the creative concepts, materials, and campaigns and their geographic market, media placement and allocation. The Brand Fund may pay for preparing and producing video, audio, and written materials and electronic media; sponsoring, supporting, and/or donating proceeds to one or more charitable, social, or community organizations or initiatives and/or hosting campaigns, initiatives, and/or events for the foregoing; developing, implementing, and maintaining any website, domain name, email
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Fund can be used to cover the costs of developing, implementing, and maintaining applications. Specifically, the Brand Fund may be used for developing, implementing, and maintaining any website, domain name, or email address. It can also be used for social media accounts, usernames, or other digital presences, as well as administering advertising and marketing campaigns.
The Brand Fund is supported by franchisee contributions, which are currently set at 2% of Net Sales. Cream retains exclusive control over the Brand Fund's programs and services, including creative concepts, materials, campaigns, geographic market, media placement, and allocation. Cream can modify the Brand Fund contribution amount with 30 days' notice, up to a maximum of 4% of Net Sales.
Cream does not have a franchisee advisory council that advises on advertising policies, nor does it have any local or regional advertising cooperatives. Franchisees are required to contribute to the Brand Fund, and Cream has the authority to determine how these funds are spent on advertising, marketing, and public relations programs for the Cream system.