When is the initial franchise fee due for a Belocal franchise?
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 is due upon the execution of the Franchise Agreement. The standard initial franchise fee is $735. However, Belocal is waiving this 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 FDD 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 will typically need to pay the $735 franchise fee when they sign the Franchise Agreement, unless they qualify for the waiver. The waiver applies specifically to new publications and is subject to change if Belocal amends its FDD. It is important to note that the fee may be reinstated if the franchise involves a publication that was previously a Bridge Publication.
Franchisees should confirm with Belocal whether they qualify for the initial franchise fee waiver based on the type of publication they intend to facilitate. They should also inquire about any potential amendments to the FDD that could affect the fee. Understanding the specific conditions for the fee and the waiver is crucial for budgeting and financial planning when starting a Belocal franchise.