Approximately how long does Bft estimate it will take between signing a Franchise Agreement and commencing the Pre-Sales Phase?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The typical length of time between signing a Franchise Agreement or payment of consideration for the franchise and commencement of the Pre-Sales Phase (which is when you will begin generating revenue) is approximately ten (10) months, and from signing a Franchise Agreement to the Soft Opening is approximately fifteen (15) months. Note, if you are granted the right to acquire multiple franchises, these estimates relate to the signing of your first Franchise Agreement and the development of your first Studio. Additionally, these timelines are likely to increase if you do not use the services of our Approved Suppliers and other resources that we make available to you in connection with the development of your Studio or if you experience unanticipated delays in securing acceptable premises, obtaining financing, obtaining necessary permits and licenses for the construction and operation of the Studio, completing construction or remodeling as it may be affected by weather conditions, shortages, delivery schedules and other similar factors, completing the interior and exterior of the Studio, including decorating, purchasing and installing fixtures, equipment and signs, and completing preparation for operating the Studio, including purchasing any necessary inventory or supplies.
If you do not sign a premises lease agreement accepted by us for the Authorized Location within six (6) months after you sign the Franchise Agreement, we may terminate your Franchise Agreement, without refund of your Initial Franchise Fee. Additionally, if you do not conduct your Studio's Soft Opening within fifteen (15) months after you sign the Franchise Agreement, we may terminate your Franchise Agreement without refund of your Initial Franchise Fee (Franchise Agreement, Section 2.2).
Time to Open: Multi-Unit Agreement (if applicable)
If you have entered into a Multi-Unit Agreement to open and operate multiple Studios, your Multi-Unit Agreement will include a Development Schedule containing a deadline by which you must have each of your Studios open and operating (Multi-Unit Agreement, Exhibit A).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated time between signing a Franchise Agreement or paying consideration for the franchise and starting the Pre-Sales Phase is about ten months. The Pre-Sales Phase is significant because this is when a franchisee can begin generating revenue.
However, this timeline can vary. It may increase if franchisees don't use Bft's Approved Suppliers or other resources provided by Bft. Delays in securing acceptable premises, obtaining financing, or getting necessary permits and licenses can also extend the timeline. Construction or remodeling delays due to weather, shortages, or delivery schedules, as well as completing the studio's interior and exterior, including purchasing and installing fixtures, equipment, and signs, can also cause delays.
Furthermore, Bft may terminate the Franchise Agreement without refunding the Initial Franchise Fee if a premises lease agreement is not signed and accepted by them within six months of signing the Franchise Agreement. Similarly, Bft can terminate the agreement if the Studio's Soft Opening does not occur within fifteen months after signing the Franchise Agreement. For franchisees considering a Multi-Unit Agreement, the agreement will include a Development Schedule with deadlines for opening each Studio.