When is the initial franchise fee due and payable for a Belocal franchise, and under what condition is it non-refundable?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee is either waived or due upon the execution of the Franchise Agreement. The document provides two options regarding the initial franchise fee. One option states that the initial franchise fee of $735 is waived. The other option indicates that the initial franchise fee is due and payable upon the execution of the Franchise Agreement because the franchisee is purchasing a franchise located in a Territory in which a Bridge Publication is currently located.

If the franchisee is purchasing a franchise in a territory with an existing Bridge Publication, the initial franchise fee is due immediately when the Franchise Agreement is signed. This fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. This means that once the agreement is executed and the fee is paid, the franchisee cannot get the money back, regardless of any future issues or termination of the agreement.

Prospective Belocal franchisees should carefully determine whether they are entering a territory with a Bridge Publication. If so, they need to be prepared to pay the $735 initial franchise fee upfront and understand that this payment is non-refundable. It is important to clarify with Belocal the status of the territory and the specific conditions under which the initial fee is applied and whether or not it is refundable.