Are the fees and costs payable to Baymont Inn Suites in the initial investment table refundable?

According to Baymont Inn Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the fees and costs payable to Baymont Inn Suites, as outlined in the initial investment table, are generally non-refundable. Specifically, Item 7 states that none of the fees and costs payable to Baymont Inn Suites in the initial investment table is refundable. However, fees and costs payable to suppliers and other third parties may be refundable if the franchisee negotiates that directly with them.

This means that a prospective Baymont Inn Suites franchisee should consider all fees paid to Baymont Inn Suites as non-recoverable. This lack of refundability is a standard practice in franchising, as these fees typically cover the franchisor's initial expenses in evaluating and setting up the franchisee. Franchisees should carefully evaluate their financial situation and commitment before paying any fees to Baymont Inn Suites.

It is important for potential franchisees to understand that while fees paid directly to Baymont Inn Suites are non-refundable, there may be opportunities to negotiate refund terms with third-party suppliers. Baymont Inn Suites also suggests in Item 10 that financing options might be available for portions of the initial investment. Therefore, franchisees should explore all available financing and negotiation options to mitigate their financial risk.