What standards must the Ella Cafe Franchisee comply with at all times regarding payment systems?
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).
- 7.12 Gift Cards, Loyalty Programs, and Incentive Programs. At its own expense, Franchisee shall sell or otherwise issue gift cards, certificates, or other pre-paid systems, and participate in any customer loyalty programs, membership/subscription programs, or customer incentive programs, designated by Franchisor, in the manner specified by Franchisor in the Manual or otherwise in writing. Franchisee shall honor all valid gift cards and other pre-paid systems, regardless of whether issued by Franchisee or another Ella Coffee House business. Franchisee shall comply with all procedures and specifications of Franchisor related to gift cards, certificates, and other pre-paid systems, or related to customer loyalty, membership/subscription, or customer incentive programs.
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 standards regarding payment systems. Ella Cafe requires franchisees to accept payments from customers in any form or manner designated by the company. 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 responsible for purchasing or leasing all necessary equipment and establishing the required business relationships. Furthermore, Ella Cafe mandates that franchisees comply with payment card industry data security standards (PCI-DSS) at all times, ensuring secure and standardized handling of payment information.
In addition to accepting various payment methods, Ella Cafe franchisees must also participate in any customer loyalty programs, membership/subscription programs, or customer incentive programs designated by the company. Franchisees are obligated to honor all valid gift cards and other pre-paid systems, regardless of whether they were issued by the franchisee or another Ella Cafe location. Franchisees must also comply with all procedures and specifications related to these gift cards, certificates, pre-paid systems, and customer programs as outlined by Ella Cafe. Finally, franchisees must submit and accept all payments in U.S. dollars.