Is there a charge for the initial training for the operating owner of a Buona franchise?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indemnification | Actual costs incurred by us. | As incurred | You have to reimburse us if we are held liable for claims arising from your operation of the development business or incur costs in defending them. |
| Costs and Attorney’s Fees | Actual costs incurred by us. | As incurred | You must reimburse us for costs and attorneys’ fees for enforcement of covenants, for obtaining specific performance of injunctive relief, and if we are successful in an action to enforce the Area Development Agreement. |
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
| Technology Fee | As determined by us based on technology costs for the franchise system. Currently $100 per week | Payable each week. | We will charge this fee via an authorized ACH payment along with royalties. We will give you 60 days prior notice before changing the amount of the fee. |
| Renewal Fee | $7,500 | 30 days prior to the signing of the renewal franchise agreement | |
| Interest on Late Payments | Highest rate of interest permitted by law not to exceed 1.5% per month | As incurred | This interest rate applies to any money you owe us or our affiliate that is more than 7 days overdue and will accrue until the amounts are paid in full. Interest is in addition to service and NSF charges. |
| Service Charges and Non-Sufficient Funds Fee | Currently $250 | Upon demand | Payable if an ACH transaction is not honored. |
| Customer Satisfaction Reimbursement | Actual costs incurred by us. | As incurred | We may, in our sole discretion, remedy any issues with customers of your Buona Business, which may include refunding to the customer any amounts the customer paid to you. You are required to reimburse us for any such refunds we issue. |
| Initial Training | No charge for the first attendee to the ownership training (the operating owner having at least a 10% interest); No charge for the first 5 managerial owners/employees to the initial manager training. Additional parties pay our then current tuition fee which is currently $1,500 per week. | As incurred | The cost of Initial Training (instruction and required materials) is borne by us. All other expenses, including travel, meals and lodging and your employee wages, are your responsibility. Additional owners and managers may attend the initial trai |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 16–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training for the operating owner is provided without charge under specific conditions. Buona does not charge for the first attendee to the ownership training, provided that the attendee is the operating owner with at least a 10% interest in the franchise. Additionally, there is no charge for the first five managerial owners or employees to attend the initial manager training.
However, Buona franchisees should note that additional parties beyond the first operating owner and first five managerial staff will incur a tuition fee. The current tuition fee for additional attendees is $1,500 per week. This fee covers the cost of instruction and required materials.
It is important to understand that while the cost of the initial training itself is covered for the operating owner and initial managerial staff, franchisees are responsible for all other expenses associated with training. These expenses include travel, meals, lodging, and employee wages during the training period. Therefore, while the initial tuition is waived for some, franchisees must budget for these additional costs.