Is the Apricot Lane plan review fee refundable?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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We assess a plan review fee of $1,500 if you use an architect other than our recommended architect to draw up the plans for your Store. This fee would be paid before opening the Franchised Business upon advising us of your decision to use another architect. This fee is uniform for all franchisees in these circumstances, fully earned on receipt and not refundable for a
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 10–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the plan review fee is generally not refundable. Apricot Lane assesses a $1,500 plan review fee if a franchisee chooses to use an architect other than the one recommended by Apricot Lane to draw up the store plans. This fee is paid before opening the franchised business once the franchisee advises Apricot Lane of their decision to use an alternate architect.
The FDD states that this fee is uniform for all franchisees in these circumstances. Once paid, the plan review fee is fully earned and is not refundable for any reason.
This means that if a prospective Apricot Lane franchisee decides to use an architect who is not approved by Apricot Lane, they should be aware that the $1,500 plan review fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the plans are ultimately approved or if the franchisee later decides to use Apricot Lane's recommended architect.