When is the reimbursement for mystery shopper services due to Cream?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks 1, 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mystery Shoppers | Reimbursement of our costs and expenses | As incurred | We may engage an independent shopping service to evaluate your Shop. We will determine the frequency, nature, and extent of the evaluation services. You must reimburse all fees and costs charged by the independent shopping service. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 13–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must reimburse Cream for mystery shopper services 'as incurred.' This means that payment is due when Cream incurs the costs and expenses associated with engaging an independent shopping service to evaluate the franchisee's shop.
Cream may use an independent shopping service to evaluate a franchisee's shop, determining the frequency, nature, and extent of these evaluations. The franchisee is then responsible for reimbursing all fees and costs charged by this independent service.
This 'as incurred' payment term is common in franchising, where franchisees often bear the costs of services that ensure brand standards and customer service quality. Franchisees should budget for these potential expenses and maintain open communication with Cream regarding the frequency and cost of mystery shopper evaluations to avoid unexpected financial burdens.