Is the photography expense fee refundable for an Americas Best Value Inn franchise?
Americas_Best_Value_Inn Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ese costs are due when billed and are non-refundable.
You will be required to pay us $5,000 for photography expenses prior to the opening of your Hotel, which is charged by the third-party photographer. We will collect this fee from you and remit it to the photographer. T
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 22–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Americas Best Value Inn Franchise Disclosure Document, the $5,000 photography expense fee is non-refundable. This fee covers photography services provided by a third-party photographer prior to the hotel's opening. Americas Best Value Inn collects this fee from the franchisee and then remits it to the photographer.
This means that once the franchisee pays the $5,000 photography expense fee, they will not receive a refund under any circumstances, even if the hotel opening is delayed or canceled. This is a standard practice in franchising, where initial fees are generally non-refundable to cover the franchisor's expenses in setting up the franchise.
Prospective Americas Best Value Inn franchisees should factor this non-refundable fee into their initial investment costs and ensure they have the necessary funds available. It is important to understand all the terms and conditions associated with this fee before signing the Franchise Agreement.