How is the cost of the Soft Opening retail inventory included in the Bft franchise?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit
Prior to opening your Studio, you must purchase the following from us: (i) opening inventory that includes branded apparel, including t-shirts, towels, exercise clothing and related accessories; and (ii) a pre-sales start-up package that typically includes (a) marketing and promotional items such as a branded EZ Up tent, feather flags and portable fitness and other exercise equipment to be utilized in conjunction with your pre-opening support program described below, and (b) branded apparel that is specific to the location of your Studio (collectively, the "Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit"). The components will be determined in coordination with our team to ensure brand consistency and optimal product selection. The cost for the Pre-Sales Retail Package will be collected directly by the Retail team at the start of the Pre-Sales Phase, while the Soft Opening retail inventory cost will be included as a line item in the equipment invoice. While you currently purchase the Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit from us, we may designate that you purchase it directly from a third-party Approved Supplier.
You are required to use certain of these items in coordination with the pre-opening sales plan we approve or designate for your Studio, which is designed to generate prospective Studio clientele and members and otherwise promote the Studio prior to opening (the "Opening Support Program").
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 18–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase a Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit prior to opening their studio. This kit includes branded apparel, such as t-shirts, towels, and exercise clothing, along with a pre-sales start-up package. The pre-sales package contains marketing and promotional items like a branded EZ Up tent, feather flags, portable fitness equipment, and location-specific branded apparel. The components of this kit are determined in coordination with the Bft team to ensure brand consistency and optimal product selection. The total cost for the Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit ranges from $14,000 to $18,000, and this amount is non-refundable upon payment.
The cost of the Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit is handled in two parts. The cost for the Pre-Sales Retail Package is collected directly by the Retail team at the start of the Pre-Sales Phase. The cost of the Soft Opening retail inventory is included as a line item in the equipment invoice. Bft may designate that franchisees purchase the Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit directly from a third-party Approved Supplier.
This requirement ensures that all Bft studios have a consistent brand image and are well-equipped for both pre-opening marketing and the initial soft opening phase. Franchisees should factor this $14,000 to $18,000 cost into their initial investment calculations. It is important to note that this amount is non-refundable, so careful planning and inventory management are essential. Franchisees should also confirm with Bft whether they are required to purchase the kit directly from Bft or from a designated third-party supplier, as this may affect the payment process and timing.