Under what conditions can Cream refuse to consider or approve an alternative vendor?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you would like us to consider approving a vendor that is not already approved by us, you must submit your request in writing before purchasing any items or services from such vendor. We will make all determinations about whether to approve an alternative vendor based on our thencurrent criteria, which may change. Currently, we estimate that we will provide notice of our decision to approve or disapprove an alternative supplier within 30 days of receiving the request and all
necessary materials for evaluation. We may also refuse to consider and/or approve any alternative vendor for any reason whatsoever. If you ask us to evaluate any proposed alternative suppliers, you must reimburse all of our costs and expenses for such evaluation. We may revoke our approval of any vendor at any time by providing written notice to you. You may not contract with any alternative vendors without receiving our prior approval.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 22–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cream has broad discretion regarding the approval of alternative vendors. Cream may refuse to consider or approve any alternative vendor for any reason whatsoever.
If a franchisee wants Cream to consider a vendor not already approved, they must submit a written request before purchasing anything from that vendor. Cream will then decide whether to approve the vendor based on its current criteria, which are subject to change. Cream estimates providing a decision within 30 days of receiving the request and all necessary evaluation materials.
Cream also stipulates that the franchisee must reimburse all of Cream's costs and expenses for evaluating any proposed alternative suppliers. Furthermore, Cream can revoke approval of any vendor at any time by providing written notice. Franchisees are prohibited from contracting with any alternative vendors without Cream's prior approval. This gives Cream significant control over the supply chain and limits the franchisee's ability to negotiate better deals or find specialized products independently.