Are fees paid to third parties for a Christies International Real Estate franchise refundable?

According to Christies International Real Estate's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the refundability of fees paid to third parties depends on their individual policies. The FDD specifies that none of the fees paid directly to Christies International Real Estate are refundable. This means that while the initial franchise fee of $35,000 and other payments made directly to the franchisor are non-refundable, fees paid to outside vendors may be refundable, contingent on the vendor's specific terms.

Prospective Christies International Real Estate franchisees should carefully review the refund policies of all third-party vendors they engage with during the initial setup phase. These vendors can include those providing initial training, leasehold improvements, signage, equipment, software, insurance, and utilities. Understanding these policies is crucial for managing financial risk during the initial investment period, as the total estimated initial investment ranges from $64,475 to $443,125.

It is a common practice in franchising for franchisors to have non-refundable fees, while the refundability of third-party vendor fees varies. Franchisees should obtain written agreements from all vendors outlining their refund policies to avoid potential financial losses. Christies International Real Estate franchisees should prioritize clarifying these policies to make informed decisions about which vendors to use and to understand the potential for recovering costs if services are not satisfactory or plans change.