When does the Plan Review Fee apply for an Apricot Lane franchise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- The Plan Review Fee applies only if you choose to use an architect other than COUNTRY VISIONS' approved architect/store designer which covers the additional required time necessary to get the new architect up to speed on store design requirements.
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- The cost of construction and leasehold improvements depends upon the size and condition of the premises, the nature and extent of leasehold improvements required, the local cost of contract work, lease or landlord requirements concerning the use
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 Plan Review Fee, which ranges from $0 to $1,500, is due upon the submittal of plans to Country Visions. This fee applies specifically if a franchisee chooses to use an architect or store designer who is not already approved by Country Visions.
The purpose of the Plan Review Fee is to compensate Country Visions for the additional time and effort required to familiarize a new architect with Apricot Lane's store design requirements. This suggests that Apricot Lane has specific standards and guidelines for store design that all franchisees must adhere to, and using an unapproved architect necessitates extra oversight from the franchisor.
For a prospective Apricot Lane franchisee, this means that they have the option to choose their own architect, but doing so may incur an additional fee. To avoid this fee, franchisees can opt to use one of Country Visions' approved architects or store designers. This could potentially save them up to $1,500 in initial investment costs. It is important for franchisees to weigh the cost of the fee against the potential benefits of using an architect of their own choosing, such as prior experience or a preferred design style.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use an approved architect or an outside architect will depend on the franchisee's individual circumstances and preferences. However, it is crucial to be aware of the Plan Review Fee and factor it into the overall budget when planning the store design and construction process.