Can a Southern Steer franchisee create their own gift certificates or gift cards?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (g) Gift Cards; Loyalty Programs.
Franchisee will not create or issue any gift certificates or gift cards and will only sell gift certificates or gift cards that have been issued by the Franchisor that are accepted at all Southern Steer Businesses.
Franchisee will participate in all gift certificate and/or gift card administration programs as may be designated by the Franchisor from time to time.
The Franchisee will honor all coupons, gift certificates, gift cards and other programs or promotions as directed by the Franchisor, even if the Franchisee is not required by the Franchisor to actively offer or promote such programs or promotions within the Franchisee's Protected Area.
The Franchisee will fully participate in all customer loyalty or frequent customer programs approved by the Franchisor, even if the Franchisee is not required by the Franchisor to actively promote such programs within the Franchisee's Protected Area.
The Franchisee acknowledges that a customer loyalty program and gift card program may include technology and system components or applications involving third-party vendors identified by the Franchisor, and the Franchisee agrees to timely execute and deliver such documents,
contracts, or agreements as the Franchisor may reasonably require to facilitate such programs.
The Franchisee will not issue coupons or discounts of any type for use at its Southern Steer Business except as approved by the Franchisor in writing, which may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not allowed to create their own gift certificates or gift cards. Instead, they are required to sell only those gift certificates or gift cards that have been issued by Southern Steer and are accepted at all Southern Steer locations.
Southern Steer franchisees must participate in any gift certificate and/or gift card administration programs designated by the franchisor. They are also obligated to honor all coupons, gift certificates, gift cards, and other promotions as directed by Southern Steer, even if they are not required to actively promote these programs within their protected area. This ensures a consistent brand experience and promotion strategy across all franchise locations.
Furthermore, franchisees must fully participate in all customer loyalty or frequent customer programs approved by Southern Steer. These programs may involve technology and system components or applications from third-party vendors identified by the franchisor, and franchisees must execute any necessary documents to facilitate these programs. Franchisees are also prohibited from issuing coupons or discounts of any type for use at their Southern Steer Business unless they have written approval from the franchisor, which may be withheld at the franchisor's discretion.