Are the fees paid to Buona or its affiliates refundable under any circumstances once paid?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
l Account, if we establish a National Accounts program. |
Notes:
All fees described in this Item that are paid to us or our affiliates, are imposed uniformly and are not refundable under any circumstances once paid. Fees paid to vendors or other suppliers may be refundable depending on the vendors and suppliers. Unless otherwise designated by us, we currently require you to pay fees and other amounts due to us or our affiliates through electronic funds transfer via Automated Clearing House ("ACH") or similar means.
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 16–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, fees paid to Buona or its affiliates are generally non-refundable. Specifically, Item 6 states that all fees described within that item, which are paid to Buona or its affiliates, are imposed uniformly and are not refundable under any circumstances once paid. However, fees paid to vendors or other suppliers may be refundable, depending on the policies of those vendors and suppliers.
This policy means that once a Buona franchisee pays a fee directly to Buona, whether it's for technology, renewal, training, or other charges, they cannot expect a refund under any circumstances. This lack of refundability is a standard practice in franchising, as these fees typically cover services rendered, ongoing support, or brand-related expenses that Buona incurs.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this non-refundable policy when budgeting and planning their investment. It's crucial to fully understand the services and benefits associated with each fee before payment, as there is no recourse for recovering these funds once they have been remitted to Buona. Franchisees should also confirm the refund policies of any third-party vendors they work with, as those fees may be subject to different terms.
Additionally, all fees under the Area Development Agreement are also non-refundable. This reinforces the importance of due diligence and careful consideration before entering into any agreement with Buona, as the financial commitments are generally irreversible.