Who pays the expenses associated with the development and operation of the Pearce Bespoke Franchisee's website?

According to the 2025 Pearce Bespoke Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for all expenses related to the development and operation of their individual franchise website. While Pearce Bespoke will include the franchisee in the location section of the franchisor's main website at no charge as part of the franchisee's marketing fund contribution, the franchisee must establish and maintain their own website. Pearce Bespoke retains the right to determine the content and use of its main website, as well as the core brand content and design of the franchisee website templates. Pearce Bespoke also retains all rights relating to its website and the individual franchise website template and domain names.

Pearce Bespoke can alter or terminate the websites with thirty days' notice to the franchisee. The franchisee's internet conduct and use of Pearce Bespoke's marks on the internet are subject to the franchise agreement and regulated by an Internet Code of Conduct. The franchisee may be required to participate in e-commerce activities on their website and have a separate online merchant account to accept credit card payments.

This arrangement is fairly typical in franchising, where franchisees often manage local websites to drive business in their specific territories, while adhering to brand standards set by the franchisor. Prospective Pearce Bespoke franchisees should factor in these website development and maintenance costs when evaluating the overall investment required to start and operate the franchise.