What expenses are the responsibility of the franchisee for the Chocolate Fish Coffee pre-opening training?

According to the 2024 Chocolate Fish Coffee Franchise Disclosure Document, Chocolate Fish Coffee provides standard pre-opening training to the Principal Executive and up to one other team member without charging a training fee. This training takes place at Chocolate Fish Coffee's headquarters or at a Chocolate Fish Coffee business designated by them. However, the franchisee is responsible for covering all associated costs for themselves and their team member.

These franchisee-borne expenses specifically include travel, lodging, meals, and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the training period. This means that while the actual training program is provided free of charge, franchisees must budget for transportation to and from the training location, accommodation during the training, food, and any incidental costs that may arise.

This arrangement is fairly typical in the franchise industry, where franchisors often provide the training itself but require franchisees to cover their own travel and living expenses. Prospective Chocolate Fish Coffee franchisees should factor these costs into their initial investment calculations to ensure they have sufficient capital to complete the pre-opening training program.