Is the initial $15,000 payment of the Initial Franchise Fee for a Bambu franchise refundable?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial $15,000 payment of the Initial Franchise Fee is non-refundable. The Initial Franchise Fee is $49,000, which is paid in four installments. The first installment of $15,000 is due when you sign the Franchise Agreement for your Bambū shoppe and is non-refundable. The remaining installments are also non-refundable and are due when your lease is presented for review ($10,000), when you take possession of the leased premises ($15,000), and when your opening training program is scheduled ($9,000).

This means that once a prospective Bambu franchisee signs the Franchise Agreement, they will not receive the $15,000 back under any circumstances. This is a common practice in franchising, as the initial fee compensates the franchisor for the initial services and expenses incurred in evaluating and setting up the franchisee.

However, Bambu may reduce or waive the Initial Franchise Fee for franchisees in non-traditional locations or for a franchisee who obtained a suitable location prior to signing the Franchise Agreement, at their discretion. It is important for potential franchisees to consider this non-refundable aspect of the initial fee and carefully evaluate their decision before signing the Franchise Agreement.