Under what conditions may the Best Western Board approve membership applications with contingencies?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
D. The Board may act upon other Membership Applications by approving such applications subject to one or more contingencies or conditions imposed by the Board in its sole discretion. If such contingent approval is given, the Applicant shall not be entitled to Membership until the Board has received proof, satisfactory to it, that all such conditions or contingencies have been timely satisfied. Such final approval, if granted, shall be effective from the date the final approval is granted. The Board may direct that customary membership services to the Property may commence during any contingency period, upon the Applicant's agreement to timely comply with the stated conditions and pay the established fees, dues and assessments for said period and the cost of all goods or services provided by or ordered through Best Western whether or not the application is ultimately approved. However, in no event shall this commencement of customary membership services be construed as granting Membership status to the Applicant.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Best Western Board of Directors has the authority to approve membership applications with specific contingencies or conditions. This decision is made at the Board's discretion. However, the applicant will not be officially recognized as a Best Western member until they provide satisfactory proof that all imposed conditions or contingencies have been met in a timely manner.
During the period when these contingencies are in place, Best Western may allow the property to commence customary membership services. This commencement is contingent upon the applicant's agreement to comply with the stated conditions and to pay all applicable fees, dues, and assessments for the duration of the contingency period. The applicant is also responsible for covering the costs of any goods or services they receive from or order through Best Western during this time.
It is important to note that even if the property is receiving customary membership services during the contingency period, this does not grant the applicant full membership status. Full membership is only granted upon the Board's final approval after all conditions have been successfully satisfied. This conditional approval process allows Best Western to ensure that new members meet all necessary standards before fully integrating them into the brand.