What fee does a Crepe De Licious franchisee have to pay for using an unapproved item or service?
Crepe_De_Licious Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must operate your Crepe de licious Franchise in strict conformity with the methods, standards, and specifications we list in our proprietary and confidential operating manual ("Operations Manual"), which may exist in various parts, locations, and formats, and may include a combination of audio, video, written material, electronic media, website content, and/or software components. You must not: (i) deviate
from these methods, standards, and specifications without our prior written consent; or (ii) otherwise operate in any manner which reflects adversely on our Marks or the System. If you use any unapproved item or service at your Crepe de licious Franchise, you will be required to pay the Unauthorized Product or Service Fee to Us.
Our Operations Manual states our standards, specifications, and guidelines for all products and services we require you to obtain in establishing and operating your Crepe de licious Franchise. We will notify you of new or modified standards, specifications, and guidelines through periodic amendments or supplements to the Operations Manual or through written communication (including electronic communication). We will issue copies of our standards and specifications to you and approved and proposed suppliers, unless these standards and specifications contain our confidential information.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 25–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crepe De Licious's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee uses any unapproved item or service at their Crepe De Licious Franchise, they will be required to pay an Unauthorized Product or Service Fee to Crepe De Licious. The FDD emphasizes that franchisees must operate in strict conformity with the methods, standards, and specifications outlined in the Operations Manual. Deviating from these standards without prior written consent or operating in a manner that reflects adversely on Crepe De Licious's Marks or the System is prohibited.
This requirement ensures consistency and quality control across all Crepe De Licious franchise locations. The Operations Manual contains the standards, specifications, and guidelines for all products and services franchisees are required to obtain when establishing and operating their franchise. Crepe De Licious will notify franchisees of any new or modified standards through amendments or supplements to the Operations Manual or via written communication.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Operations Manual and any updates to understand the specific requirements for approved items and services. If a franchisee wishes to use a non-approved supplier, they must submit samples of the supplier's products or services along with a written statement explaining why the products, services, or suppliers should be approved. Crepe De Licious will then notify the franchisee of their approval or disapproval, typically within 90 days after receiving all relevant information. Written approval must be received before using products not purchased from an approved supplier. Crepe De Licious may revoke approval at any time if a supplier no longer meets their standards, and franchisees must cease using disapproved products or suppliers upon receiving written notice of revocation.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the implications of using unapproved items or services, as this can result in the Unauthorized Product or Service Fee. Franchisees should also be aware that Crepe De Licious estimates that approximately 65% to 70% of purchases required to operate a Crepe De Licious Franchise on an ongoing basis will be from Crepe De Licious or from other approved suppliers and under their specifications. This highlights the importance of adhering to the approved supplier list to avoid potential fees and maintain compliance with the franchise agreement.