Who bears the cost of additional initial training programs for additional personnel at a Chatime franchise?
Chatime Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Initial Training Program is designed to address all phases of the operation of a franchise business and your Chatime Store. The Initial Training Program involves approximately two weeks of instruction for up to a maximum of four persons trained together at the same time. We will provide additional Initial Training Programs for any additional personnel at your cost. (Article 3 of the Franchise Agreement).
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 27–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs of additional initial training programs for any personnel beyond the initial four. The initial training program is mandatory for the franchisee, their General Manager(s), and key management personnel, with a maximum of four individuals trained together.
This means that if a Chatime franchisee wants to train more than four people during the initial training period, they will have to pay for the additional training programs. This cost is in addition to the initial franchise fee of $5,000, and the costs for the franchisee's employees to attend the training, including uniforms, salaries, accommodations, meals, and travel expenses.
Furthermore, if the franchisee or their employees fail to complete the initial training program successfully, they will be liable for all additional training costs, and the opening of their Chatime store may be delayed. The franchisee will bear all costs incurred due to this delay. Chatime also retains the right to terminate the Franchise Agreement if the approved training programs are not completed within a reasonable time or as agreed in writing with the franchisor.