How is the development fee for a Bigfoot Forestry franchise calculated?
Bigfoot_Forestry Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
must hire a Project Manager to manage at least one (1) but not more than three (3) of your Bigfoot Forestry Businesses. The Managing Owner, and each Project Manager, can manage a maximum of three (3) Bigfoot Forestry Businesses. You must hire an additional Project Manager for every three (3) additional Bigfoot Forestry Businesses you open. Each Project Manager you hire must meet all criteria and conditions set forth in the most recent Franchise Agreement executed by you.
- 5. DEVELOPMENT FEE. At the time you sign this Agreement you must pay us a development fee in the amount set forth in Part B of ATTACHMENT "A", which is calculated as the aggregate sum of the initial franchise fees imposed for all Bigfoot Forestry Businesses you are required to develop pursuant to this Agreement. The development fee is fully earned and nonrefundable upon execution of this Agreement.
- **6.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–162)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bigfoot Forestry's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the development fee is the total of the initial franchise fees for all Bigfoot Forestry Businesses that the franchisee is required to develop under the Area Development Agreement. This fee is paid when the agreement is signed and is considered fully earned and nonrefundable at that time. The payment of the development fee includes and satisfies the initial franchise fee required under each individual Franchise Agreement signed as part of the Area Development Agreement.
The initial franchise fee for the first Bigfoot Forestry franchise is $49,900, but is reduced to $47,400 for those who qualify for the veteran’s discount. The initial franchise fee for the second franchise is $44,900, and the initial franchise fee for the third franchise is $39,900. The FDD does not specify the initial franchise fee for franchises beyond the third, but it does state that the fee for all additional franchises is "per franchise".
For a prospective Bigfoot Forestry area developer, this means that the upfront investment will vary depending on the number of units they commit to developing. It is important to note that the development fee is nonrefundable, so careful consideration should be given to the development schedule and the franchisee's ability to meet those obligations. The initial franchise fees decrease with each additional franchise purchased, which may incentivize developers to commit to a larger territory. However, the FDD does not specify the initial franchise fee for franchises beyond the third, so prospective franchisees should clarify this with the franchisor.