What is the range for the 'Impact Study Fee' that a Best Western franchisee may have to pay, and to whom is this payment made?
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 |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 37–61)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, new prospective members may need to pay an Impact Study Fee. This fee ranges from $0 to $4,000. The purpose of this fee is to contribute funds for Best Western to commission an impact study.
The Impact Study Fee is paid as a lump sum before the commission of the impact study. The payment is made directly to Best Western, indicated as "Us" in the table. This fee is intended to offset the costs associated with evaluating the potential impact of a new Best Western location on the existing network.
It's important to note that the Impact Study Fee may be credited towards the Affiliation Fee if the new prospective member's Application for Membership is presented to the Board by the Application Deadline and is approved. If the application is presented by the deadline but not approved, the entire Affiliation Fee, including the $4,000 Impact Study Fee, will be refunded. However, the $4,000 Impact Study Fee will not be refunded if the application is not presented by the deadline due to the prospective member's actions, or if the application is approved but the prospective member does not accept the conditions of approval.