What costs are included in the Face Foundrie evaluation and testing fee for a proposed new supplier?
Face_Foundrie Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
aging, furnishings, uniforms, technology, and other products, supplies or services from suppliers other than those previously approved by Franchisor and such items have not been designated by Franchisor to be exclusively supplied by a designated supplier(s), Franchisee shall first submit to Franchisor a written request for authorization to purchase such items, together with such information and samples as Franchisor may require. Franchisor shall have the right to require periodically that its representatives be permitted to inspect such items and/or suppliers' facilities, and that samples from the proposed suppliers, or of the proposed items, be delivered for evaluation and testing, either to Franchisor or to an independent testing facility designated by Franchisor. Permission for such inspections shall be a condition of the initial and continuing approval of such supplier, manufacturer or distributor. A charge equal to the greater of $2,500 or the reasonable cost of the evaluation and testing, which may include travel expenses incurred by Franchisor, shall be paid by Franchisee. Franchisor shall, within ninety (90) days after its receipt of such request and completion of such evaluation and testing (if required by Franchisor), notify Franchisee in writing of its approval or disapproval. Franchisor may deny such approval for any reason, including its determination to limit the number of approved suppliers. Nothing in the foregoing shall be construed to require Franchisor to approve any particular supplier, nor to require Franchisor to make available to prospective suppliers, standards and specifications for formulas, which Franchisor shall have the right to deem confidenti
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 73–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Face Foundrie's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to use a new supplier, Face Foundrie has the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and/or require samples for evaluation and testing. The franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with this process.
The evaluation and testing fee will be the greater of $2,500 or the reasonable cost of the evaluation and testing. This fee may also include any travel expenses incurred by Face Foundrie during the evaluation process. Face Foundrie will then notify the franchisee in writing of its approval or disapproval within 90 days of receiving the request and completing the evaluation and testing, if required.
It is important to note that Face Foundrie can deny approval for any reason, including limiting the number of approved suppliers. The document also clarifies that Face Foundrie is not obligated to approve any specific supplier or disclose confidential standards and specifications to prospective suppliers. Face Foundrie also retains the right to re-inspect approved suppliers and revoke approval if they fail to meet current criteria. If approval is revoked, the franchisee must immediately stop selling or using any disapproved items or purchasing from the disapproved supplier.