Is the initial franchise fee paid to Buff City Soap refundable?

According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee is non-refundable. Specifically, the FDD states that the initial franchise fee paid by franchisees is nonrefundable. This means that once a prospective franchisee pays the initial franchise fee to Buff City Soap, they cannot get that money back, regardless of whether they proceed with opening a location.

For a single Buff City Soap makery, the initial franchise fee is $50,000. For a Development Agreement, the initial franchise fee is $75,000 for two makeries. This non-refundable policy is a standard practice in the franchise industry, as the franchisor incurs costs in evaluating and processing the franchise application.

Prospective Buff City Soap franchisees should carefully consider this non-refundable aspect before paying the initial franchise fee. They should conduct thorough due diligence, review the Franchise Disclosure Document carefully, and seek professional advice to ensure they fully understand the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement.