How must a Pump It Up franchisee operate and maintain the Franchised Business?
Pump_It_Up Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ss. Such guidance will, at our discretion, be furnished in our Manuals, bulletins, emails, written materials, online sources, telephone conversations, virtual webinars, and consultations at our office or a Pump It Up business or any other location, including virtually.
12. SYSTEM STANDARDS
A. Compliance with System Standards.
- (1) We own and control the distinctive plan for the establishment, operation and promotion of the Pump It Up Business and all related licensed methods of doing business, previously defined as the "System Standards." System Standards may regulate and/or provide suggested specifications, best practices, standards, operating procedures, general guidance, ongoing advice, and consultation to you on any one or more of the following with respect to the Pump It Up Business: franchised site, premises, leasehold improvements, interior finish, interior décor, furnishings, equipment, products, product formulas, supplies, materials, inventory type, technical equipment standards, client relations, marketing techniques, written promotional materials, advertising, accounting systems, and service delivery methods. All information identified in the preceding sentence constitute our confidential trade secrets. You understand that our System Standards may regulate (to the extent allowed by law) maximum, minimum and other pricing requirements for the services and products your Pump It Up Business sells. You acknowledge that we have valuable rights in and to such trade secrets. You further acknowledge that you have not acquired any right, title or interest in the System Standards except for the right to use the System Standards in the operation of the Pump It Up Business as it is governed by this Agreement and that it is obligated to maintain the confidentiality of the System Standards.
- (2) You acknowledge that each and every detail of the appearance, layout, décor, cleanliness, safety standards, services and operation of the Franchised Business is essential to us and to other franchisees of Pump It Up Businesses to preserve the goodwill of the Marks and all Pump It Up Businesses. These details constitute our protected trade dress. You agree to cooperate with us by operating and maintaining the Franchised Business safely and securely and according to all of our System Standards (whether contained in the Manuals or another written communication to you), as we periodically modify and supplement them. You agree that the System Standards we prescribe in the Manuals or otherwise communicate to you in writing or another form, are part of this Agreement as if fully set forth within its text.
- (3) We may modify the System (including System Standards) from time to time and these modifications may obligate you to invest additional capital in the Franchised Business and/or incur higher operating costs. We may require you to integrate new or updated rides, inflatables, games, or concessions into your Franchised Business. You agree to accept, integrate and use or display in the Franchised Business any such changes or modifications to the System as if they were a part of the System at the time this Agreement was executed, and you agree to make such expenditures as the changes or modifications to the System may require. This includes, but is not limited to, refurbishing or remodeling the Premises or any other aspect of the Franchised Business, hiring additional personnel, buying new equipment, adding new services and products, or otherwise modifying the nature of your operations, as if those changes or modifications were part of the System as of the Effective Date.
- (4) If you or your owners, employees, designees, or independent contractors develop any new concepts, processes or improvements relating to the System, you must promptly notify us and provide us with all information regarding the new concept, process or improvement, all of
which shall become our property as a "work made for hire" and which may be incorporated into the System without any payment to you or your owners, employees, designees or independent contractors. If any designee or independent contractor working on your behalf develops any new concepts, processes or improvements relating to the System, you shall obtain covenants from that designee or contractor that you own (as a "work made for hire") such concepts, processes or improvements (and all components thereof) and have the right to freely transfer to us such concepts, processes or improvements. You, at your own expense, must promptly take all actions deemed necessary or desirable by us to vest in us ownership of such concepts, processes or improvements. To the extent that any item does not qualify as a "work made for hire" for us, you will assign ownership of that item, and all related rights to that item, to us and agree to take whatever action (including signing an assignment or other documents) we request to evidence our ownership or to help us obtain intellectual property rights in the item. We will make no payment to you, your owners, employees, designees or independent contractors for any such item, or for our subsequent use (or our franchisees' subsequent use) of such item.
B. Vendors, Products and Services.
- (1) You must purchase all products, equipment, materials, supplies and services for the operation of the Pump It Up Business from us, our affiliates, or from our Designated Vendors, Preferred National Vendors or Local Vendors of your choosing (collectively, the "PIU Vendors"). We reserve the right to require you to purchase specific products, equipment, material, supplies and/or services from specific PIU Vendors.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 60–225)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Pump It Up's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific System Standards for operating and maintaining their franchised business. These standards encompass a wide array of aspects, including the physical premises (site, interior finish, decor), equipment, products, marketing, and service delivery methods. Pump It Up retains control over these standards, which are considered confidential trade secrets. Franchisees are granted the right to use these standards solely for operating their Pump It Up Business, and they must maintain their confidentiality.
The FDD emphasizes the importance of maintaining the appearance, layout, cleanliness, safety standards, services, and overall operation of the Pump It Up Business to preserve the goodwill associated with the brand. Franchisees must also implement a training program for their employees, consistent with the training provided by Pump It Up and outlined in the manuals. Furthermore, franchisees are responsible for conducting background checks on employees to ensure they meet ethical standards for working with children and comply with all local laws and regulations regarding staffing and on-premises management.
Active oversight by the franchisee, Operating Principal, or Multi-Unit Manager is required, including regular visits to the franchised business and communication with Pump It Up to ensure compliance with System Standards. The Operating Principal (or Multi-Unit Manager) must complete initial and any additional required training and cannot engage in conflicting business activities. Pump It Up also provides ongoing advice and consultation through various channels, including manuals, bulletins, emails, and online resources. Franchisees are responsible for obtaining and maintaining necessary insurance coverage for liabilities related to the business's operation, meeting minimum standards specified by Pump It Up.