Can AutoClerk increase the fees for Best Western, and if so, what is the required notice period?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.2 Fee Increases. AutoClerk may increase the Fees upon thirty (30) days written notice to Customer. The increased Fees shall become effective on the date specified in the notice unless Customer terminates this Agreement by providing written notice to AutoClerk on or before the date on which the increased Fees would otherwise go into effect.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, AutoClerk, a service provider, has the ability to increase fees charged to Best Western franchisees. AutoClerk is required to provide a written notice to the franchisee 30 days in advance of the fee increase.
However, the franchisee has the option to terminate the agreement with AutoClerk if they do not agree with the increased fees. To do so, the franchisee must provide written notice to AutoClerk before the date the increased fees are scheduled to take effect. If the franchisee does not terminate the agreement, they are obligated to pay the increased fees.
This arrangement allows Best Western franchisees some control over their expenses related to AutoClerk's services. They can choose to accept the fee increase or seek alternative service providers if they find the new fees unacceptable. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, where franchisees often have to agree to third-party vendor terms, but retain some ability to opt out if costs become prohibitive.