When submitting the application for a Best Western franchise, what is the amount of the nonrefundable evaluation fee that must be included?

According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an applicant must include a non-refundable evaluation fee of $4,000 when submitting their application. This fee covers the administrative costs that Best Western incurs while processing the application. It is important to note that payment of this fee does not guarantee approval of the application, as the Best Western Board of Directors has the right to deny any application for any reason.

This evaluation fee is standard practice in the franchise industry, as it helps franchisors offset the costs associated with reviewing and processing applications. However, the non-refundable nature of the fee means that prospective franchisees should carefully consider their interest in a Best Western franchise before submitting an application and paying the fee.

In addition to the evaluation fee, Best Western also requires payment of an affiliation fee, the amount of which is determined by the Board. An impact study may also be required, for which the applicant would be responsible for the associated fee. These additional fees highlight the importance of understanding all financial obligations before applying for a Best Western franchise.