When is the Evaluation Fee portion of the Best Western Entrance Fee due?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Study Fee (1) | $0 - $4,000 | Lump Sum | Before Commission of Impact Study | Us |
| Entrance Fee (2) | $59,000 (comprised of Evaluation Fee of $4,000 plus Affiliation Fee of $45,000 (50 rooms or less) plus $200 for each additional | Lump Sum, if applicable | Evaluation Fee portion upon Application of Membership and Affiliation Fee portion before Board’s consideration of | Us |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 37–61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Evaluation Fee, which is part of the Entrance Fee, is due upon the Application of Membership. The total Entrance Fee is $59,000 for properties with 50 rooms or less. This fee is comprised of a $4,000 Evaluation Fee and a $45,000 Affiliation Fee. For properties with more than 50 rooms, an additional $200 is added for each room up to 1,000 rooms.
For a prospective Best Western franchisee, this means that $4,000 of the initial investment is required when submitting the membership application. The remaining portion of the Entrance Fee, the Affiliation Fee, is due before the Board's consideration of the application. This upfront payment is necessary to begin the process of becoming a Best Western member.
It is important to note that these fees are generally non-refundable, so applicants should carefully consider their decision before applying. Understanding the payment schedule and the non-refundable nature of these fees is crucial for managing the initial investment required to join the Best Western franchise system.