What is the Ella Cafe Franchisee required to do regarding payment systems designated by the Franchisor?
Ella_Cafe Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
include (but are not limited to) a customer feedback system, customer survey programs, and
mystery shopping. Franchisor shall share with Franchisee the results of these programs, as they pertain to the Business. Franchisee must meet or exceed any minimum score requirements set by Franchisor for such programs.
- 7.11 Payment Systems. Franchisee shall accept payment from customers in any form or manner designated by Franchisor (which may include, for example, cash, specific credit and/or debit cards, gift cards, electronic fund transfer systems, and mobile payment systems). Franchisee shall purchase or lease all equipment and enter into all business relationships necessary to accept payments as required by Franchisor. Franchisee must at all times comply with payment card industry data security standards (PCI-DSS).
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Ella Cafe's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific requirements regarding payment systems. Ella Cafe franchisees are obligated to accept payments from customers in any form or manner that Ella Cafe designates. This includes, but is not limited to, cash, specific credit and/or debit cards, gift cards, electronic fund transfer systems, and mobile payment systems.
To facilitate these payment methods, franchisees are required to purchase or lease all necessary equipment and establish all business relationships needed to accept payments as mandated by Ella Cafe. Furthermore, franchisees must comply with payment card industry data security standards (PCI-DSS) at all times, ensuring secure and standardized payment processing.
Ella Cafe also specifies that franchisees must accept debit cards, credit cards, stored value cards, or other non-cash payment systems and methods that Ella Cafe specifies periodically and participate in Ella Cafe's required payment procedures and collection of funds relating thereto. The franchisee will also acquire and install all necessary hardware and/or software used in connection with these non-cash payment systems and pay the costs associated therewith. These stipulations ensure that all Ella Cafe locations maintain consistent and secure payment processing standards, which protects both the franchisee and the customer.