To whom is the distribution system fee paid when converting to a Bw Premier Collection hotel?
Bw_Premier_Collection Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission of Impact Study if Required | ||||
| Renovation Work (4) | $0 - $2,677,500 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Contractors |
| Furniture, Fixtures and | $0 - $3,415,500 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Suppliers |
| Equipment (5) | ||||
| Inventory and Operating | $72,450 - $90,300 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Suppliers |
| Equipment (6) | ||||
| Signage (7) | $315 - $525 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Suppliers |
| Distribution System | $1,150 - $8,000 | Lump Sum | As Required | Us |
| Photographs Fee (8) | ||||
| Computer System (9) | $0 - $13,100 | Cash, Check or Wire Transfer | As Required | Suppliers/Us |
| Insurance (10) | $8,750 - $13,750 | As Required | As Required | Agent/Insurer |
| Organizational Expense | $1,050 - $2,100 | As Agreed | As Agreed | Accountant/Attorney |
| (11) | ||||
| Permits and Licenses | $0 - $63,000 | As Required | As Required | Governmental |
| (12) | Agency | |||
| Miscellaneous Project | $0 - $26,250 | As Incurred | As Agreed | Suppliers |
| Management Expenses | ||||
| (13) | ||||
| Additional Funds | $500,000 - | As Incurred | As Arranged | Suppliers |
| (3 months) (14) | $545,000 | |||
| TOTAL (15) | ||||
| $612,715 - $6,888,025 | ||||
| Column 1 Type of Expenditure | Column 2 Amount | Column 3 Method of Payment | Column 4 When Due | Column 5 To Whom Payment is to be made |
| Application Fee (1) | $4,000 | Lump Sum | When you submit the Application to us for processing | Us |
| Affiliation Fee (2) | $25,000 | Lump Sum | Prior to execution of the Distribution Agreement | Us |
| Impact Study Fee (3) | $0 - $4,000 | Lump Sum | Before Commission of | Us |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 26–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bw Premier Collection's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, when converting an existing hotel to a Bw Premier Collection hotel, a Distribution System Photographs Fee, ranging from $1,150 to $8,000, is paid directly to Bw Premier Collection. This fee is due as required in a lump sum. The purpose of this fee is to ensure that the Bw Premier Collection's reservation system has up-to-date material.
In addition to the Distribution System Photographs Fee, franchisees may also need to cover the cost of one room night's accommodation for the photographer, if needed. This is a separate expense from the Distribution System Photographs Fee itself. These initial fees are part of the costs associated with converting an existing hotel to a Bw Premier Collection franchise.
Prospective franchisees should factor this fee into their initial investment calculations, alongside other fees such as the Application Fee ($4,000), Affiliation Fee ($25,000), and potential Impact Study Fee ($0 - $4,000). Understanding to whom payments are made and when they are due is crucial for managing the financial aspects of the franchise conversion.