Does Sonesta Simply Suites currently charge a fee for the supplier approval process?
Sonesta_Simply_Suites 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 42–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Sonesta Simply Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, as of the FDD date, there is no fee for the supplier approval process. However, Sonesta Simply Suites retains the right to implement such a fee in the future.
If a franchisee wishes to use a supplier that is not already approved, they must submit a written request to Sonesta Simply Suites for approval. This request must include all information, specifications, and samples that Sonesta Simply Suites requires. While Sonesta Simply Suites does not guarantee a response within a specific timeframe, they state that the review process typically takes about 30 days.
As part of the approval process, Sonesta Simply Suites has the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and require the supplier to attend their brand conference and enter into their standard supplier agreement. Sonesta Simply Suites may also change their approval process or supplier criteria at any time. If a supplier is approved, Sonesta Simply Suites will grant approval in writing and may set certain conditions for continued approval, such as delivery frequency, service standards, insurance protection, and willingness to enter into indemnity and confidentiality agreements.