What is the standard initial franchise fee for a Ben Jerrys franchise, as stated in Exhibit A?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
l not exceed the aggregate amount of the price which would have been invoiced to OPERATOR if the amount of the Products and Other Items that had actually been ordered by OPERATOR had been delivered (as shown by the records of BEN & JERRY'S or of its affiliates, suppliers or distributors, whichever is applicable).
3.9 OPERATOR acknowledges and agrees that any duty or obligation imposed on BEN & JERRY'S by this Agreement may be performed by any distributor, designee, employee, or agent of BEN & JERRY'S, as BEN & JERRY'S may direct from time to time.
4. FEES
- 4.1 The initial franchise fee shall be the amount specified in Exhibit A which is paid as specified in Exhibit A and in consideration of the franchise granted herein. The initial franchise fee (as reflected in Exhibit A) shall be thirty-nine thousand five hundred dollars ($39,500), unless OPERATOR is an existing franchisee under the System prior to executing this Agreement, or unless this Agreement is executed pursuant to a Development Agreement, in which event the initial franchise fee shall be determined in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in the Development Agreement, and which amount is also set forth in Exhibit A. The initial franchise fee, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, is earned and non-refundable in consideration of adm
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 133–134)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Ben Jerrys Franchise Disclosure Document, the standard initial franchise fee is $39,500. This fee is specified in Exhibit A of the franchise agreement. However, the document indicates that this fee may differ under certain circumstances.
The initial franchise fee may be different if the franchisee is an existing franchisee within the Ben Jerrys system before signing the agreement. Also, if the agreement is executed under a Development Agreement, the initial franchise fee will be determined by the fee schedule outlined in that Development Agreement, as also stated in Exhibit A.
The initial franchise fee is considered earned upon receipt and is non-refundable. This fee covers the administrative and other expenses that Ben Jerrys incurs while entering into the franchise agreement. If a Preliminary Agreement was signed and a deposit was paid, that deposit will be credited towards the initial franchise fee. Similarly, if the agreement is for the first or last Scoop Shop developed under a Development Agreement, the amount specified in Exhibit A that was paid as part of the development fee will be credited toward the initial franchise fee.