What is the hourly rate for product testing for a Bambu franchise?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Fee 1 | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
| Other at Shoppe Location Trainings and Certifications 1, 2 | Our then current published rates which are currently $900 per day plus travel related expenses | As incurred | Payable only if you request or we require additional training specific to you. |
| Costs and Attorneys' Fees 2 | Will vary depending on nature of your default or the claim brought | As incurred | Payable if we are successful in a legal action. |
| Indemnification Under Franchise Agreement 2 | Will vary depending on nature of the claim against us | As incurred | You have to reimburse us if we are held liable for claims resulting from your Bambū shoppe operations. |
| Insurance Premiums 2, 5 | Will vary depending on your location, policy limits, and insurer | As incurred | If you do not pay your premiums, although we do not have to, we can pay them for you and you must reimburse us. |
| Cost of Product Testing | Hourly rate of $150 per person plus the cost of supplies and equipment | As incurred | You must reimburse us for all reasonable costs we incur in investigating and determining whether any previously unapproved products, programs, or suppliers you desire to use meet our |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 14–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee wants to use previously unapproved products, programs, or suppliers, they must reimburse Bambu for the costs of testing. This includes an hourly rate of $150 per person, plus the cost of any supplies and equipment used during the testing process. These costs are incurred as the testing takes place.
This means that if a franchisee proposes a new ingredient, piece of equipment, or vendor, Bambu will conduct its own investigation to ensure it meets their standards. The franchisee will be responsible for covering Bambu's expenses during this process. The hourly rate covers the personnel time dedicated to the testing, and the franchisee also pays for any materials consumed or equipment used in the evaluation.
For a prospective Bambu franchisee, this highlights the importance of sticking to approved suppliers and products to avoid these additional costs. It also means that franchisees have the option to suggest new products or suppliers, but they should be prepared to cover the expenses associated with getting them approved. This policy ensures that Bambu maintains quality control and consistency across all franchise locations, while also allowing franchisees some flexibility in their operations.