Does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing guarantee that all franchisees will be charged the same fees?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the Franchise Agreement, we may do so on your behalf. You are required to reimburse us for any costs we incur. |
- (1) Unless otherwise noted, all fees are non-refundable and payable to us. We intend for the fees described in this Item to be uniformly imposed on all franchisees receiving this offering. However, from time to time, we may make an exception to our standard fee structure and/or payment terms. We have no obligation to deviate from our standard fee structure and/or payment terms to fees and/or terms that are more favorable to you. For all amounts payable to us and our affiliates, you must use the payment method(s) that we designate from time to time. We currently require payment by Automated Clearing House (ACH), or electronic funds transfer and you must designate an account at a commercial bank of your choice at the time of signing your Franchise Agreement and furnish the bank with authorizations at the time of signing your Franchise Agreement to permit us to make withdrawals from that account. Unless otherwise specified or agreed upon, all fees listed in this table are applicable to each Territory granted to you and the amount of each fee will be due and payable in the manner and at the times described in the table for each Territory independently, and not in the aggregate.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 18–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisor intends to impose fees uniformly on all franchisees receiving the franchise offering. However, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing may, from time to time, make exceptions to its standard fee structure and/or payment terms. The document states that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has no obligation to deviate from its standard fee structure and/or payment terms to fees and/or terms that are more favorable to franchisees.
This means that while Benjamin Franklin Plumbing aims for consistency in its fee structure, there is a possibility that some franchisees might receive different fee arrangements or payment terms than others. This could be due to various factors, and the franchisor retains the discretion to make such exceptions. However, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is not obligated to provide more favorable terms to all franchisees.
For a prospective franchisee, this implies that the fees outlined in the FDD are generally what they can expect to pay, but there's no guarantee that these fees will be the same for every franchisee. It would be prudent for potential franchisees to inquire about the conditions under which exceptions to the standard fee structure might be made and to understand how these exceptions could impact their investment and profitability. Franchisees should also clarify what specific factors might influence fee variations and whether there is any opportunity to negotiate fees or payment terms.