Can Extreme Art Studio change the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards?
Extreme_Art_Studio Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We will provide mandatory and suggested standards, specifications, operating procedures and rules ("System Standards") that we periodically prescribe for operating an Extreme Art Studio Business, and information on your other obligations under this Franchise Agreement, which may include, but are not limited to: (1) standards, specifications, and operating procedures and methods that Extreme Art Studio Businesses use, including, but not limited to, scheduling and managing classes; (2) customer service standards and policies; (3) qualifications for other employees, including criminal background checks (although you will have sole responsibility and authority concerning employee selection and promotion); (4) staffing levels, training, dress and appearance of your employees; (5) amounts and types of classes to be offered, including lesson class sizes; (6) days and hours of operation; (7) supplies, equipment and inventory management; (8) use and display of the Marks at the Franchised Business and on Operating Assets and other materials; (9) sales, marketing, advertising, and promotional strategies and programs, and materials/media used in these programs; (10) recommended liability waiver forms for customers; (11) use and acceptance of gift cards, loyalty programs, coupons, passes, certificates and discounts; (12) policies regarding credit and debit cards, credit card vendors (including, among other things, companies that provide services for electronic payment such as near field communication vendors like "Apple Pay" and "Google Wallet"), electronic payment, other payment systems, and check verification services, including compliance with the then-current Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, as those standards may be revised and modified by the PCI Security Standards Council, LLC or any successor organization, or standards that we may reasonably specify; (13) required and recommended associations and memberships; (14) participation in market research and testing and product and service development programs, as well as participation in, and dues assessed for, advisory councils; and (15) administrative, accounting, reporting and record retention.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 49)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Extreme Art Studio's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Extreme Art Studio can specify standards related to compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). These standards are subject to revision and modification by the PCI Security Standards Council, LLC, or any successor organization. Extreme Art Studio also retains the right to specify its own standards related to payment card security.
This means that as a franchisee, you must adhere to the PCI DSS as it is updated by the PCI Security Standards Council. Additionally, you must also follow any specific standards that Extreme Art Studio implements regarding credit and debit card policies, vendors, electronic payments, and other payment systems. These standards are part of the broader System Standards that Extreme Art Studio may periodically prescribe for operating an Extreme Art Studio Business.
It is important for prospective franchisees to stay informed about changes to both the PCI DSS and any additional standards set by Extreme Art Studio. Failure to comply with these standards could result in penalties or other consequences. Franchisees should seek clarification from Extreme Art Studio regarding any specific requirements or modifications to these standards to ensure full compliance.