Under what condition does Baymont Inn Suites waive the fee for responding to customer reviews?
Baymont_Inn_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will provide you with access to a customer experience software platform (currently Medallia), which will aggregate all reviews regarding the Facility from TripAdvisor and other major online travel agency sites, as well as customer surveys.
We will respond to certain customer surveys and online reviews of the Facility, including complaints that are posted on third-party travel websites.
You will pay us for each review to which we respond, which we will waive during all periods that your Facility maintains a positive overall guest satisfaction score. (Franchise Agreement – Schedule C)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Baymont Inn Suites's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees will pay Baymont Inn Suites for each customer review to which they respond. However, this fee is waived during any period that the franchisee's facility maintains a positive overall guest satisfaction score. This incentive encourages franchisees to prioritize guest satisfaction to avoid incurring additional costs for review responses.
This policy means that Baymont Inn Suites franchisees have a direct financial incentive to ensure their properties receive positive feedback. By maintaining high guest satisfaction, franchisees can avoid the expense of paying Baymont Inn Suites to respond to reviews. This can translate into significant savings over time, especially for well-managed locations with consistently happy guests.
For prospective franchisees, this fee waiver represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It highlights the importance of providing excellent service and maintaining a positive reputation. While negative reviews may require paid responses, consistently positive feedback can lead to cost savings and potentially attract more customers through positive online presence.