According to Chatime's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all fees paid to Chatime or its affiliates are generally non-refundable. However, there is one exception regarding the Initial Franchise Fee. If a franchisee provides Chatime with a termination notice within seven days of signing the Franchise Agreement, Chatime will refund the Initial Franchise Fee within 14 days of receiving the termination notice.

It is important to note that this refund policy specifically applies to the Initial Franchise Fee and only within the very limited timeframe of seven days after signing. All other fees, such as the Brand Marketing Fee (2.0% of Gross Sales), Audit Fee, Interest Rate, and other fees outlined in Item 6, are non-refundable once paid. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as these fees are typically used to cover Chatime's expenses in setting up the franchise and providing ongoing support.

Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this non-refundable policy before signing the Franchise Agreement and paying any fees. It is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and seek professional advice to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations and the financial implications of investing in a Chatime franchise. Franchisees should also be aware that fees paid to vendors or other suppliers may be refundable, depending on the specific policies of those vendors and suppliers, not Chatime itself.