Under what condition is the Outside Service Fee payable for an Apricot Lane franchise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Service Fee | $1,000 | As incurred | Payable only if you choose to use an Advertising or Promotions Agency other than COUNTRY VISIONS |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 11–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Outside Service Fee is payable only if a franchisee chooses to use an advertising or promotions agency other than Country Visions. The fee is $1,000 and is due as incurred.
This means that Apricot Lane franchisees have the option to use an outside agency for advertising and promotions, but doing so will incur an additional fee of $1,000. This fee is separate from any other advertising or marketing expenses that the franchisee may be required to pay, such as the Marketing and Advertising Coverage Area (MACA) payments, which can be up to $4,000 per year.
Prospective franchisees should consider whether they plan to use Country Visions for advertising and promotions or if they prefer to use an outside agency. If they choose to use an outside agency, they should factor in the $1,000 Outside Service Fee when budgeting for their franchise. It is also important to evaluate the potential benefits of using an outside agency versus Country Visions, considering factors such as cost, expertise, and the specific needs of their local market.