What is the timeframe for Marble Slab Creamery to provide written disapproval of advertising and promotional materials submitted by a franchisee?
Marble_Slab_Creamery Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee will submit to Franchisor (through the mail, return receipt requested), for its prior approval at least 2 weeks before its intended use (except with respect to prices to be charged), samples of all advertising and promotional plans and materials that Franchisee desires to use and which have not been prepared or previously approved by Franchisor, including, without limitation, business cards, stationery, T-shirts, buttons, caps, watches, and similar items.
If written disapproval thereof is not received by Franchisee from Franchisor within 2 weeks after the date of receipt by Franchisor of such samples or materials, Franchisor will be deemed to have given the required approval, subject to Franchisor's subsequent disapproval of said advertising materials.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 101)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Marble Slab Creamery Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must submit advertising and promotional materials to Marble Slab Creamery for approval at least two weeks before their intended use. This submission is required for any materials the franchisee wants to use that Marble Slab Creamery has not previously approved or prepared. The submission should be done via mail with return receipt requested.
Marble Slab Creamery has a two-week window to provide written disapproval after receiving the franchisee's submitted materials. If the franchisee does not receive written disapproval within this two-week period from the date Marble Slab Creamery receives the materials, the franchisor is considered to have given approval. However, this initial approval is subject to Marble Slab Creamery's right to subsequently disapprove the advertising materials.
This process ensures that all advertising and promotional efforts by franchisees align with Marble Slab Creamery's brand standards and marketing strategies. While franchisees have the autonomy to create some of their own materials, Marble Slab Creamery retains control over brand messaging and presentation. Franchisees should be aware that even if initial approval is 'deemed' due to lack of response, Marble Slab Creamery can still later retract that approval, so it's best to maintain open communication and seek explicit approval whenever possible.