What is the estimated initial franchise fee for the first Apricot Lane store?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
T-UP FRANCHISE**
| Type of expenditure | Amount (Estimated Cost) | Method of payment | When due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee1 | $39,500 (first store) $20,000 (subsequent stores) | Lump Sum | See Item 5 & Note 1 | COUNTRY VISIONS |
| Real Estate/1st month rent2 | $0 - $10,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Lessor |
| Deposits (Lessor, Utilities, | $0 - $5,000 | As Arranged | As Arranged | Lessor & Utility Companies |
| Providers)3 | ||||
| Store Designer/Architect4 | $10,000 to $12,000 | Lump Sum | Plan Completion | Approved Suppliers |
| Plan Review Fee5 | $0 - $1,500 | Lump Sum | On s |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 14–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee for the first store is $39,500. This fee is a one-time, lump-sum payment due to Country Visions, as detailed in Item 5 of the FDD. However, the document also notes that if a franchisee qualifies for the U.S. Military veterans discount, Apricot Lane may discount the initial franchise fee by $5,000. This means that a qualifying veteran could potentially pay a reduced initial franchise fee of $34,500.
It's important to note that, according to the FDD, this initial franchise fee, like most other expenditures in the initial investment, is non-refundable, with the exception of the initial franchise fee itself under certain conditions detailed in Item 5. This highlights the importance of carefully considering all aspects of the franchise opportunity before making any payments. Prospective franchisees should review Item 5 of the FDD to fully understand the conditions under which the initial franchise fee may be refundable.
Understanding the initial franchise fee is crucial for prospective Apricot Lane franchisees as it represents a significant upfront cost. Franchisees should also inquire about the specific qualifications for the U.S. Military veterans discount to determine if they are eligible for the reduced fee. This up-front fee is only one component of the total estimated initial investment, which ranges from $168,950 to $360,300 for the first store.