Does Boulder Designs charge a fee for mandatory, ongoing training programs?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor shall make its initial training programs and re-boot training available to the Franchisee and its Internal Manager.
Upon execution of this Agreement, Franchisee shall pay Franchisor an Initial Training Fee in the amount specified in Exhibit 1, Key Terms Page. The initial training program consists of approximately five business day(s) of classroom training and on-the-job initial training program for the Franchisee and its initial manager. Instruction pertains to all material aspects of the operation of a BOULDER DESIGNS Business, including such topics as: BOULDER DESIGNS mission and principles; establishment of your business structure; legal filings; business licenses; banking and checking accounts; insurance; accounting and legal support; computer system and software installation; set up accounting systems; market research; marketing plan; optional establishment of office lease; employment suggestions; incoming call scripts; office administration; administrative management training; trademark usage guidelines; maintenance of quality standards; customer service techniques; record keeping and reporting procedures; other operational issues; resale, transfer, renewals and assignment training; vendor interaction and ordering, and on-the-job training. Franchisor shall conduct the initial training program either in person at its headquarters or at another designated location or locations, as Franchisor requires. Initial Training amount is fully earned and nonrefundable upon completion of the Franchisee's training. If Franchisee does not successfully complete the initial training, Franchisor reserves the right to deduct any amount from Franchisee's Initial Training Fee to cover Franchisor's expense and the cost of providing the initial training course in addition to Franchisee paying Franchisor the On-Site Training Cancellation Fee and the other rights of Franchisor pursuant to this agreement.
Initial Training Fee is allocated to Franchisor's cost and expense in providing such training to the Franchisee and its initial manager; however, all expenses incurred by Franchisee and its employees in attending such program including, but not limited to, travel costs, room and board expenses and employees' salaries, shall be the sole responsibility of Franchisee. Additional trainees will be at the then-current published rates. Any additional individuals or new internal managers are subject to fees under Section 8.4 of this Agreement.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must pay an initial training fee, the amount of which is specified in Exhibit 1. This fee covers the initial training program, which consists of approximately five days of classroom and on-the-job training for the franchisee and their initial manager. The training covers various aspects of operating a Boulder Designs business.
However, the franchisee is responsible for all expenses incurred while attending the training program, including travel, room and board, and employee salaries. Additional trainees are subject to the then-current published rates, and any additional individuals or new internal managers are subject to fees under Section 8.4 of the agreement.
If Boulder Designs schedules an on-site training program or visit to the franchisee's location, and the franchisee cancels or fails to attend, the franchisee must pay an on-site training cancellation fee. The amount of this fee varies depending on the type of training program, how far in advance the cancellation notice is given, and the costs incurred in rescheduling travel arrangements. The FDD does not specify whether there are fees for ongoing training programs beyond the initial training and potential on-site training cancellation fees.