Is the Affiliation Fee for a Bw Premier Collection franchise refundable?
Bw_Premier_Collection Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Best Western International, Inc. ("Best Western") requires payment of a $4,000 non-refundable Application Fee via electronic wire transfer
In the event an impact study is required as further described in paragraph 6 below, it is understood and agreed that you will be responsible for a non-refundable Impact Study Fee, which must be paid via electronic wire transfer before the impact study is conducted and which will be a prerequisite to your Application's processing.
Payment of any Fee or submission of this Application does not give any Applicant the right to affiliate with Best Western.
By submitting this Application, it is agreed that the Board may deny an Application for any or for no reason.
Source: Item 5 — Initial Fees (FDD pages 18–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bw Premier Collection FDD, the initial Application Fee of $4,000 is non-refundable. This fee is required by Best Western International, Inc. and must be paid via electronic wire transfer. The Bw Premier Collection franchise will not process the application until this fee is received.
In addition to the Application Fee, if an impact study is required, the Impact Study Fee is also non-refundable and must be paid via electronic wire transfer before the study is conducted. Payment of these fees does not guarantee approval of the application, as the Best Western Board of Directors may deny an application for any reason.
It is important for prospective Bw Premier Collection franchisees to understand that these fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is ultimately approved. This is a common practice in franchising, as these fees cover the franchisor's costs associated with processing the application and conducting due diligence.