What is the current fee for Refresher Training required by Ben Jerrys?

According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the current fee for Refresher Training is $0. Ben Jerrys may require franchisees, their managers, or their employees to attend refresher training, and a reasonable fee may be charged. However, as of the date of the FDD, Ben Jerrys is not charging a fee for refresher training. This fee is due prior to attending the training.

This means that currently, franchisees will not incur a direct cost for refresher training if Ben Jerrys requires it. However, this policy is subject to change at Ben Jerrys's discretion, and a reasonable fee could be implemented in the future. It is important to note that while the fee itself is currently $0, franchisees may still incur indirect costs such as travel expenses or wages for employees attending the training.

Franchisees should be aware that Ben Jerrys reserves the right to implement a fee for refresher training in the future. It would be prudent for prospective franchisees to inquire about the potential circumstances under which refresher training might be required and what factors could lead to the implementation of a fee. Understanding these potential future costs is crucial for accurate financial planning.

In the franchise industry, it is common for franchisors to charge fees for ongoing training to ensure brand standards and operational consistency. While Ben Jerrys currently waives this fee, franchisees should be prepared for the possibility of it being introduced later and factor this potential expense into their financial projections.