What is the range of the Preliminary Agreement Deposit required when signing with Ben Jerrys?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ystem.
ITEM 7 ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES FOR FULL-SIZED SHOPS (APPROXIMATELY 750-1200 SQ.FT)
| Type of Expenditure | Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be Made |
|---|
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 28–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Preliminary Agreement Deposit ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. This deposit is paid as a lump sum upon signing the agreement with Ben Jerrys.
The FDD specifies that this deposit will be credited towards the initial franchise fees. This means that the franchisee will receive credit for the amount already paid when the time comes to pay the full initial franchise fee.
However, the Preliminary Agreement Deposit may be waived for qualified managers through Ben Jerrys's Manager-to-Franchisee Pathways Program, as detailed in Item 5 of the FDD. Therefore, prospective franchisees should inquire about their eligibility for this program to potentially avoid this initial deposit.