Are any of the fees or costs estimated in Chart A refundable for a Bambu franchise?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the fees and costs estimated in Chart A are generally non-refundable, with a specific exception. Deposits paid to third parties may be refundable. This means that while the initial franchise fee and other expenses related to setting up the Bambu shop are typically non-refundable, any deposits made to third-party suppliers or landlords could potentially be returned to the franchisee, depending on the specific agreements and circumstances.

For a prospective Bambu franchisee, this implies that careful consideration should be given to each expenditure during the initial setup phase. Since most fees are non-refundable, it's crucial to ensure that the location, lease terms, and vendor contracts are thoroughly vetted before committing funds. Understanding which deposits are potentially refundable and under what conditions can help mitigate some financial risk. Franchisees should maintain detailed records of all deposits and agreements to facilitate potential refunds.

This policy is fairly standard in the franchise industry, where initial fees are generally non-refundable to cover the franchisor's costs of granting the franchise and providing initial support. However, the potential for refunds on third-party deposits offers a small degree of financial flexibility. It is important for prospective franchisees to clarify with Bambu and third-party vendors the specific conditions under which deposits can be refunded to avoid any misunderstandings.

Therefore, a prospective franchisee should prioritize due diligence and seek professional advice to fully understand the financial implications and potential risks associated with the initial investment. Understanding the refund policies related to third-party deposits can help in better financial planning and risk management when starting a Bambu franchise.