When is the initial franchise fee due to Belocal?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount | Method of | When Due | To Whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low – High | Payment | Payment Is to Be Made | ||
| Initial Franchise Fee (1) | $735 | As Arranged | Execution of Franchise Agreement | Us |
Notes:
- (1) The initial franchise fee for a Franchised Business is $735. However, we are waiving the initial franchise fee for franchises offered or entered into on or after the Issuance Date of this disclosure document that facilitate the publishing of a new Publication, unless this disclosure document is amended to reflect otherwise. We reserve the right to charge the initial franchise fee of $735 if the franchise is for the facilitation of a publication that was formerly a Bridge Publication.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 31–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee, which ranges up to $735, is due upon the execution of the Franchise Agreement. However, Belocal is waiving the initial franchise fee for franchises offered or entered into on or after the Issuance Date of the FDD that facilitate the publishing of a new Publication, unless the disclosure document is amended to reflect otherwise. Belocal reserves the right to charge the initial franchise fee of $735 if the franchise is for the facilitation of a publication that was formerly a Bridge Publication.
This means that a prospective Belocal franchisee may not have to pay the initial franchise fee if they are starting a new publication. However, if the franchise involves a publication that was previously a Bridge Publication, the fee may still apply. It is important to note that this waiver is subject to change if Belocal amends its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Prospective franchisees should confirm with Belocal whether the waiver applies to their specific situation and understand the conditions under which the fee might be reinstated. Understanding these payment terms is crucial for managing the initial investment required to start a Belocal franchise.