When is the Impact Study Fee for Best Western not refunded to a new prospective member?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
he Application for Membership is not approved, the entire Affiliation Fee (including the $4,000 Impact Study Fee) will be refunded. If a new prospective Member's Application for Membership is not presented to the Board by the Application Deadline due to the actions of the prospective Member, or the Application for Membership is approved b
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 $4,000 Impact Study Fee is not always refundable. New prospective members pay this fee for Best Western to commission an impact study.
The Impact Study Fee will not be refunded if the new prospective member's Application for Membership is not presented to the Board by the Application Deadline because of the prospective member's actions. This means if the applicant causes the delay, they forfeit the refund.
Additionally, the Impact Study Fee will not be refunded if the Application for Membership is approved by the Board, but the prospective member does not accept the conditions of approval. So, even if approved, declining the terms means losing the $4,000 Impact Study Fee. This fee contributes to the overall Entrance Fee.