How is the amount of the Brand Development Fund Fee determined for Bang Cookies franchisees?
Bang_Cookies Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
(1) If Franchisor institutes the Brand Development Fund, Franchisee shall pay, on the Due Date, a mandatory and continuing fee to the Brand Development Fund in an amount equal to a percentage of Gross Sales (as determined and designated by Franchisor in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment) for each weekly Accounting Period (the "Brand Development Fund Fee"), provided, however, Franchisee will not be required to contribute more than 2% of the Gross Sales of the Franchised Business for each weekly Accounting Period;
(2) Franchisor will provide Franchisee with written notice of the percentage of Gross Sales that Franchisee is required to contribute to the Brand Development Fund.
Upon such written notice to Franchisee, the percentage of Gross Sales to be paid by Franchisee to the Brand Development Fund will be applicable for each and every weekly Accounting Period thereafter during the Term until otherwise designated by Franchisor in writing.
The Brand Development Fund Fee shall be paid to Franchisor on the Due Date and in accordance with the payment terms and method set forth in Article 5.B. for the payment of Royalty Fees;
- (3) Franchisor, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, shall direct all advertising, media placement, marketing and public relations programs and activities financed by the Brand Development Fund, with sole discretion over the strategic direction, creative concepts, materials, and endorsements used by the Brand Development Fund, and the geographic, market, and media placement and allocation thereof.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 56–245)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Bang Cookies's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Development Fund Fee is a mandatory, ongoing fee that franchisees must pay. The amount is determined by Bang Cookies, expressed as a percentage of Gross Sales, for each weekly accounting period. However, the franchisee will not be required to contribute more than 2% of their Gross Sales for each weekly accounting period.
Bang Cookies will provide written notice to the franchisee specifying the percentage of Gross Sales that must be contributed to the Brand Development Fund. Once this notice is given, the specified percentage will apply to every weekly accounting period throughout the term of the agreement, unless Bang Cookies provides a new written designation.
The Brand Development Fund Fee is due on the date specified by Bang Cookies, following the same payment terms and methods outlined for Royalty Fees. Bang Cookies has the discretion to direct all advertising, media placement, marketing, and public relations programs financed by the fund. This includes decisions on strategic direction, creative concepts, materials, endorsements, and the geographic and market placement of these activities.