What is the deadline for submitting advertising materials to Cream for approval?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are solely responsible for conducting all local advertising for your Shop. However, you must satisfy our System Standards for all advertising for your Shop and/or using the Marks or the System. Our System Standards may require that you advertise and market your Shop in specific advertising mediums we determine, use forms of advertisement we approve, list your Shop with the online directories and subscriptions we periodically prescribe, and/or include links or references to
Digital Presences in the manner we prescribe. You must ensure that your advertising, promotion, and marketing is completely clear, factual, and not misleading and conform to both the highest standards of ethical advertising and marketing and the advertising and marketing policies that we prescribe from time to time. At least 14 days before you use them, you agree to send us for approval samples of all advertising, promotional, and marketing materials which we have not prepared or previously approved. If you do not receive written approval within 14 days after we receive the materials, they are deemed to be disapproved. Once we approve the materials, you are permitted to use them. However, we may withdraw our approval at any time and for any reason. You may not use any advertising, promotional, or marketing materials that we have not approved or have disapproved. We may also elect to control any or all Digital Presences associated with the Marks and/or your Shop, including that we may elect to control responses posted to comments of your customers on third-party platforms and directories.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must submit local advertising, promotional, and marketing materials to Cream for approval at least 14 days before using them, provided Cream has not prepared or previously approved them. If the franchisee does not receive written approval within 14 days after Cream receives the materials, the materials are considered disapproved. Cream retains the right to withdraw approval at any time and for any reason, and franchisees may not use any materials that have not been approved or have been disapproved.
This requirement ensures that all local advertising aligns with Cream's System Standards and brand image. It allows Cream to maintain consistency and quality across all franchise locations. The 14-day review period gives Cream sufficient time to assess the materials and provide feedback or request changes.
For a prospective Cream franchisee, this means planning local advertising campaigns well in advance to allow for the required approval process. Failure to submit materials on time or to adhere to Cream's feedback could result in delays in marketing efforts or, potentially, a breach of the franchise agreement. Franchisees should factor this review period into their marketing timelines and maintain open communication with Cream to ensure a smooth approval process.
Cream also has the option to control any or all Digital Presences associated with the Marks and/or your Shop, including that Cream may elect to control responses posted to comments of your customers on third-party platforms and directories.