Does Ben Jerrys offer any payment plans for franchise fees?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as otherwise described above, all fees are payable in lump sum.
Incentive Program
Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program
For Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop managers that are pursuing franchise ownership, we offer a waiver of initial franchise fees (such waiver is intended for managers will own 100% of the franchise), up to a 2-year period of royalty waivers (a 2-year royalty waiver shall be applicable to managers that acquire at least 50% equity/ownership of a franchise in the aggregate; a 1-year royalty waiver shall be applicable to managers that acquire between 20-50% equity/ownership of a franchise in the aggregate ) and reimbursement for approved learning and development expenses (e.g., attending Ben & Jerry's Franchise Annual Meeting). Qualification for this program is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and managers must meet certain criteria to be considered for the program. As of the issuance date of this disclosure document, such criteria include (i) a minimum equity/ownership interest of 20% in the franchise; (ii) a minimum of 1-year experience as a Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop manager; (iii) demonstrated System participation (e.g. attendance at Franchise Annual Meeting, participation in Systemwide calls, etc.); and (iv) a demonstrated commitment to and understanding of Ben & Jerry's three-part mission (see Item 1, above). This program may be modified without notice at any time and we may establish and/or eliminate any benefits as we deem in the best interests of the System.
Source: Item 10 — FINANCING (FDD page 43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, initial franchise fees are generally payable in a lump sum, but there are exceptions. Ben Jerrys may reduce, defer, or waive the initial franchise fee for certain shops that require an entry fee to obtain a site, or when a unique situation warrants it. In 2024, the initial fees ranged from $0 to $39,500 due to incentive programs. Also, for Scoop Shop managers pursuing franchise ownership through the Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program, Ben & Jerry's offers a waiver of initial franchise fees.
For additional shops developed under a Development Agreement, the initial franchise fee is determined by considering those shops as the next ones to be developed under the existing Development Schedule. If a Preliminary Agreement was signed and a deposit was paid, that deposit will be credited toward the initial franchise fee.
If Ben Jerrys agrees to a shorter franchise term (less than the standard 10 years), the initial franchise fee will be prorated based on the number of years in the term. For example, a 5-year term would result in an initial franchise fee of $19,750. For Satellite Shops, the initial satellite fee is $8,000.