To whom is the plan review fee paid when opening an Apricot Lane franchise?
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 | 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, a plan review fee, ranging from $0 to $1,500, is paid to Country Visions. This fee is due upon the submittal of plans. The plan review fee is applicable if a franchisee chooses to use an architect or store designer that is not already approved by Country Visions. This fee covers the additional time required to familiarize the new architect with Apricot Lane's store design requirements.
This fee is part of the initial investment required to start an Apricot Lane franchise. The total estimated initial investment for a first store ranges from $168,950 to $360,300. For subsequent stores, the estimated initial investment ranges from $149,450 to $340,800. The plan review fee is a relatively small portion of the overall investment, but it is a mandatory fee if the franchisee does not use Country Visions' approved architect or store designer.
Prospective franchisees should consider this fee when budgeting for their initial investment. If they prefer to use their own architect, they should be prepared to pay this fee. However, using Country Visions' approved architect may save them this cost. Franchisees should also inquire about the qualifications and experience of Country Visions' approved architect to ensure they are comfortable with their services.