Must an Endless Summer Sweets franchisee request approval of an alternative vendor in writing?
Endless_Summer_Sweets Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We may approve other or alternate vendors if you request it in writing or if a vendor requests it and if the vendor demonstrates to our satisfaction that it is financially stable and can provide products or services that meet our specifications and that are consistent with our image. We will grant or revoke approvals of suppliers based on criteria appropriate to the situation, which may include evaluations of the supplier's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing, and performance reviews. Our criteria for approving suppliers are not available to you.
There is no fee for us to review or approve an alternate supplier, but we may charge our reasonable costs incurred in evaluating a proposed vendor. We will give you a good faith estimate of our cost of evaluating a proposed vendor within a reasonable time after you make the request, but before we begin the evaluation process. We will provide you with written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier you propose within 30 days after receipt of your request.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 14–16)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Endless Summer Sweets's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must request approval for alternative vendors in writing. Endless Summer Sweets may also approve an alternative vendor if the vendor themselves requests it. The vendor must demonstrate that they are financially stable and can provide products or services that meet Endless Summer Sweets's specifications and are consistent with their image.
Endless Summer Sweets will use criteria appropriate to the situation to grant or revoke approvals of suppliers. These criteria may include evaluations of the supplier's capacity, quality, financial stability, reputation, and reliability; inspections; product testing; and performance reviews. However, the specific criteria for approving suppliers are not disclosed to franchisees.
There is no fee for Endless Summer Sweets to review or approve an alternate supplier, but they may charge their reasonable costs incurred in evaluating a proposed vendor. Endless Summer Sweets will provide a good faith estimate of their evaluation costs within a reasonable time after the request, but before they begin the evaluation process. The franchisee will receive written notification of the approval or disapproval of any supplier they propose within 30 days after Endless Summer Sweets receives the request.