Is a Crepe De Licious franchisee allowed to issue press releases without approval?

According to the 2025 Crepe De Licious Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval for marketing and advertising materials. Crepe De Licious will review and approve advertising and other approval requests, and will not unreasonably delay approvals or disapprovals. If a franchisee violates this provision, they will pay an unauthorized advertising fee of $500 per occurrence to the Advertising Fund to offset the damage caused by the breach. This implies that any press releases issued by a franchisee would need to be reviewed and approved by Crepe De Licious.

This requirement ensures that all marketing and advertising efforts align with the brand standards and overall marketing strategy of Crepe De Licious. By maintaining control over advertising materials, Crepe De Licious can ensure consistency in messaging and protect its brand image. The $500 fee serves as a deterrent against unauthorized advertising and helps to compensate for any potential damage caused by non-compliant materials.

For a prospective Crepe De Licious franchisee, this means that they cannot independently create and distribute press releases without prior approval from the franchisor. They must submit their proposed materials for review and approval, which may add time to their marketing efforts. However, this also provides an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from Crepe De Licious, potentially improving the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns.

This type of approval requirement is common in franchising, as franchisors typically want to maintain control over their brand's image and messaging. Franchisees should factor this requirement into their marketing plans and budget, ensuring they allocate sufficient time for the approval process. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship with Crepe De Licious and avoiding penalties.