Does Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential currently charge a fee for the supplier approval process?
Sonesta_Select_Sonesta_Essential Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If you want to purchase goods or services from an unapproved supplier, then you may submit a written request for us to approve the supplier. You must submit to us all information, specifications, and samples that we request. Any goods or services from suppliers must be in accordance with Brand Standards. We will review all of the pertinent information. While we have no obligation to respond within a certain time frame, our review typically takes 30 days to complete. We have the right to require as a condition of our initial and continuing approval that our representatives are permitted to inspect and re-inspect the supplier's facilities, and that the supplier attend our brand conference and enter into our then-applicable supplier agreement. We currently do not charge a fee for the supplier approval process, but we may do so. We may change our approval process or supplier criteria at any time. If we approve a supplier as to any goods, services, suppliers, or materials, we must grant our approval in writing. We may condition our initial and continued approval of a supplier on certain requirements, such as delivery frequency, standards of service (including prompt attention to complaints), concentration of purchases, insurance protection, the supplier's willingness to enter into indemnity and confidentiality agreements, payment of reasonable license fees (if Marks are used), and other criteria. Other than this description of our criteria, we do not disclose any further details of our criteria for approving suppliers to franchisees.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 46–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company does not currently charge a fee for the supplier approval process. However, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential retains the right to implement such a fee in the future.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that if they wish to use a supplier that is not already approved by Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential, they can request approval without incurring an immediate fee. The franchisee must submit all required information, specifications, and samples for review, adhering to the brand's standards. The review process typically takes around 30 days, though there is no guaranteed timeframe.
It is important to note that Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential may require inspections of the supplier's facilities and attendance at brand conferences as part of the approval process. Additionally, the approval process and supplier criteria are subject to change at any time. While there is no fee currently, franchisees should be aware that one could be introduced, impacting their operational costs.
Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential may also approve suppliers temporarily or revoke approval if they no longer meet the brand's criteria. Franchisees will receive written notice of any such disapproval. While using approved suppliers is essential for compliance with the Franchise Agreement and Brand Standards, Sonesta Select Sonesta Essential does not provide any material benefit to a franchisee based on their use of designated or pre-approved suppliers.