Under what condition does the Plan Review Fee apply for an Apricot Lane franchise?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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 applicable under a specific condition. This fee is incurred if a franchisee chooses to use an architect or store designer who is not already approved by COUNTRY VISIONS. COUNTRY VISIONS approval is important because they need to ensure the architect is up to speed on Apricot Lane's store design requirements.
This fee covers the additional time and resources required to familiarize a new architect with Apricot Lane's specific design standards and requirements. The fee is paid as a lump sum to COUNTRY VISIONS upon submission of the plans. This implies that Apricot Lane has standardized design requirements for its stores, and using an unapproved architect necessitates additional oversight and review by the franchisor.
For a prospective Apricot Lane franchisee, this means there is an opportunity to save up to $1,500 by using COUNTRY VISIONS' approved architects or store designers. However, franchisees should weigh this cost against any potential benefits of using an architect of their own choosing, such as prior relationships or specific expertise. It is important to consider that using an unapproved architect may also lead to delays in the store design and build-out process, potentially impacting the store's opening date.