What is the amount and refundability of the Application evaluation fee required by Best Western?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Best Western requires payment of a $4,000 non-refundable Application evaluation fee "Evaluation Fee") in order to process the Application.
The non-refundable Evaluation Fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the Application.
Payment of any fee or submission of this Application does not give any Applicant any right to affiliation with Best Western.
The Board may deny an Application for any or for no reason.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a prospective franchisee must pay a $4,000 application evaluation fee. This fee is required for Best Western to process the membership application.
It is explicitly stated that the $4,000 application evaluation fee is non-refundable. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the application, regardless of whether the application is ultimately approved or denied. Payment of this fee does not guarantee affiliation with Best Western, as the Board of Directors has the right to deny an application for any reason.
In the event that an impact study is required, the applicant is responsible for the Impact Study Fee, which must be paid before the impact study is conducted. This fee, along with the evaluation and affiliation fees, are payable in U.S. or Canadian funds based on the monthly exchange rate. Prospective franchisees should be aware that these fees contribute to the initial investment and are necessary to begin the process of affiliating with the Best Western brand.