What is the Grand Opening Marketing Fee for an Apricot Lane franchise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
anges to the proposed budget and public relations for grand opening marketing and public relations, which FRANCHISEE shall implement. This marketing requirement is separate from any grand opening expenditure requirement provided for in the Premises lease.
FRANCHISEE shall pay One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) as Grand Opening Marketing Fee if wechoose to use an Advertising or Promotions Agency or Marketing Consultant other than COUNTRY VISIONS' in-house agency to develop a local Grand Opening Marketing Plan, including local market research. This fee covers the time necessary to get the outside services up to speed on use of our Marks and our advertising and social media tools.
B. Marketing, Advertising and Development Fund
FRANCHISOR has established a fund to produce and develop marketing and advertising for the System. FRANCHISEE shall contribute to the Country Visions Marketing, Advertising and Development Fund (the "Fund") an amount equal to one percent (1%) of FRANCHISEE's Gross Revenues (defined in Section 12.C below). FRANCHISEE's required payments to the Fund shall be made at the same time and in the same manner as, and in addition to, the Royalty provided in Sectio
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 10–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may have to pay a Grand Opening Marketing Fee of $1,500. This fee is not always required. Apricot Lane assesses this fee only if they choose to use an advertising or promotions agency or marketing consultant other than Country Visions' in-house agency to develop a local Grand Opening Marketing Plan, including local market research. This fee is intended to cover the time necessary to get the outside services up to speed on the use of Apricot Lane's marks and their advertising and social media tools.
Even if the franchisee does not pay the $1,500 Grand Opening Marketing Fee to Apricot Lane, the franchisee is still required to budget and implement an appropriate Grand Opening Marketing and Advertising program and Pre- and Post-Opening Public Relations campaign for the Franchised Business. The franchisee must spend a minimum of $10,000 on Pre- and Post-Opening Marketing and Advertising and Public Relations. Before opening for business, the franchisee will consult with Apricot Lane (and its designee(s)) about the grand opening marketing and public relations program. Apricot Lane, in its reasonable judgment, may require changes to the proposed budget and public relations for grand opening marketing and public relations, which the franchisee must implement. This marketing requirement is separate from any grand opening expenditure requirement provided for in the Premises lease.
In addition to the Grand Opening Marketing Fee and the minimum $10,000 spend on marketing and advertising, franchisees must also contribute to the Country Visions Marketing, Advertising and Development Fund. This contribution is equal to one percent (1%) of the franchisee's Gross Revenues. These payments are made at the same time and in the same manner as, and in addition to, the Royalty. These payments are also in addition to and exclusive of any sums that the franchisee may be required to spend on local marketing, advertising, and promotion.