What is the dependency between Crepe De Licious offering gift cards and the franchisee's obligation to accept them?

According to the 2025 Crepe De Licious FDD, franchisees are restricted in their ability to create and issue gift cards. Specifically, franchisees cannot create or issue their own gift cards or certificates. They are only permitted to sell gift cards or certificates that have been issued or sponsored by Crepe De Licious. Furthermore, these gift cards must be accepted at all Crepe De Licious locations. This policy ensures uniformity and brand consistency across all franchise locations.

This requirement has several implications for a prospective Crepe De Licious franchisee. It means that franchisees must participate in the Crepe De Licious-sponsored gift card program and cannot opt out or create their own independent programs. This ensures that all locations honor the same gift cards, providing a seamless experience for customers. It also centralizes control over gift card liabilities with Crepe De Licious, which manages the overall program.

While this policy ensures brand consistency, it also means that franchisees are dependent on Crepe De Licious for the management and administration of the gift card program. Franchisees must rely on Crepe De Licious to handle the financial aspects of the program, including tracking liabilities and ensuring that funds are available to redeem gift cards. Additionally, franchisees must adhere to any rules or guidelines established by Crepe De Licious regarding the use and redemption of gift cards.

Overall, the gift card policy reflects Crepe De Licious's desire to maintain a consistent brand image and customer experience across all franchise locations. While it provides benefits in terms of uniformity and centralized management, it also places certain restrictions on franchisees' autonomy and requires them to participate in the franchisor's system.