Does Benjamin Franklin Plumbing reserve the right to charge a fee for each conference?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s, as we determine, and the training may be performed by us, our affiliates, or third parties.
- 5.4. Training Fees. We may charge a training fee: (a) for additional trainees that you request in excess of the maximum number we designate for a training program; (b) if we require remedial training as a result of your failure to comply with our Brand Standards; (c) for re-training persons who are repeating a training program, or their substitutes; and (d) for training programs that we make optional for franchisees.
- 5.5. Travel Expenses. For all training, including initial training, you are responsible for all travel expenses, living expenses, wages, and other expenses incurred by your trainees. If we conduct training at any location other than our headquarters, you may be required to pay the reasonable travel, meal, and lodging expenses of our trainer(s).
- 5.6. [Reserved.]
- 5.7. Employee Training. Except for the training in Sections 5.1 and 5.2, you are responsible for all employee training for the Franchised Business.
- 5.8. Brand Conferences and Conventions; Non-Attendance Fee. The Key Person, Owners of Franchisee, and/or employees of Franchisee, as designated by us (collectively, "Designated Franchisee Representatives"), are required to attend an annual convention and regional conferences of franchise owners, if called by us. Franchisee is responsible for the costs of travel and acco
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 88–312)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing FDD, the franchisor reserves the right to charge a fee for each conference. The FDD also states that the Key Person, Owners of Franchisee, and/or employees of Franchisee, as designated by the franchisor, are required to attend an annual convention and regional conferences of franchise owners, if called by them.
In addition to conference fees, the franchisee is responsible for the costs of travel and accommodations for its attendees. If none of the designated franchisee representatives attend the annual convention, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing may charge the franchisee a non-attendance fee of $500 for the first convention missed. This fee increases to $2,000 for any convention that the designated franchisee representatives fail to attend consecutively thereafter.
If none of the Designated Franchisee Representatives attend the annual convention for three consecutive years, and without an approved reason or a Qualified Substitute, the franchisee will be in default of the Franchise Agreement. In this case, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will have the right to terminate the agreement, as well as any other rights and remedies available to them at law or in equity. A Qualified Substitute is defined as an Owner who is active in the Franchised Business, as determined by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, or another employee who actively works full time in the operation of the Franchised Business.