What is the Chocolate Bash franchisee's obligation regarding travel expenses for post-opening training?
Chocolate_Bash Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
lies, materials, and other matters), and (iv) CB Franchising's lists of Approved Vendors and/or Required Vendors.
- (c) Pre-Opening Training. CB Franchising shall make available its standard preopening training to the Principal Executive and up to 2 other employees, at CB Franchising's headquarters and/or at a Chocolate Bash business designated by CB Franchising. CB Franchising shall not charge any fee for this training. Franchisee is responsible for its own travel, lodging, meal, and other out-of-pocket expenses. CB Franchising reserves the right to vary the length and content of the initial training program based on the experience and skill level of any individual attending the program.
- (d) Market Introduction Plan. CB Franchising shall advise Franchisee regarding the planning and execution of Franchisee's market introduction plan.
- (e) On-Site Opening Assistance. CB Franchising shall have a representative support Franchisee's business opening with at least 3 days of onsite opening training and assistance.
5.5 Post-Opening Assistance.
- (a) Advice, Consulting, and Support.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 38–39)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Chocolate Bash franchise agreement outlines the franchisee's responsibilities for travel expenses related to pre-opening training, but it does not specify any obligations for travel expenses related to post-opening training.
Specifically, for pre-opening training, Chocolate Bash will provide standard training to the Principal Executive and up to two additional employees at no cost for the training itself. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering their own travel, lodging, meal, and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with attending this pre-opening training. This is a fairly standard arrangement in the franchise industry, where the franchisor provides the training content, but the franchisee bears the cost of getting themselves and their staff to the training location.
Regarding post-opening assistance, the FDD states that Chocolate Bash will provide advice and support via telephone or electronic communication. If in-person support is requested and provided, Chocolate Bash may charge a fee plus cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, lodging, and meals for the employees providing the support. However, the document does not mention any required post-opening training programs that would necessitate franchisee travel. Therefore, it is important for a prospective franchisee to clarify with Chocolate Bash whether any mandatory post-opening training programs exist, and if so, who is responsible for the associated travel costs.