How much is the transfer fee for a Cinch I.T. franchise, and when is it due?
Cinch_I_T Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| TYPE OF FEE1 | AMOUNT | DUE DATE | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| to client | must pay us for our time and any compensation (i.e., replacement product) given to clients. | ||
| Audits | Cost of audit plus interest on underpayment | As incurred | Payable only if audit shows understatement is willful or if 2% or more of gross sales for a two month period. |
| Interest | Interest on overdue payment | As incurred | Interest rate will be 1.5% per month or if the maximum interest rate permitted by state law is less, then interest will be charged at the lesser allowed rate. Interest begins from the date payment was due. |
| Late Fee | $100 per occurrence plus interest | On demand, but only if you are delinquent in your payments to us or otherwise violate an obligation under the Franchise Agreement | Payable the day after payment or other event (Ex: a required report) is due, in addition to the interest. |
| Transfer, Assignment | $10,000 | Time of transfer | Payable if you sell your franchise. No fee charged if you transfer franchise to a corporation or other entity you control. |
| Transfer Fee – Development Agreement | $5,000 for each unopened Franchise; $10,000 for each open and operating Franchised Business. | Time of transfer | Payable if Multi-Unit Developer sells its franchise. No fee charged if you transfer franchise to a corporation or other entity you control. |
| Multi-Unit Extension Fee – Development Agreement | $5,000 per extension | As incurred | Payable if Multi-Unit Developer desires to extend a Development Period. |
| Renewal | $5,000 | Time of renewal | New franchise agreement, which may |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 14–20)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Cinch I.T.'s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the transfer fee for a franchise is $10,000, payable at the time of the transfer. This fee applies when a franchisee sells their franchise to a new owner. However, the FDD specifies that no transfer fee is charged if the franchise is transferred to a corporation or other entity that the franchisee controls.
For Multi-Unit Developers, the transfer fee structure differs slightly. If a Multi-Unit Developer sells their franchise, the transfer fee is $5,000 for each unopened franchise and $10,000 for each open and operating franchised business. Similar to individual franchise transfers, this fee is due at the time of the transfer. Again, no fee is charged if the transfer is to an entity controlled by the Multi-Unit Developer.
It's important for prospective franchisees to understand these transfer fee implications, especially if they anticipate selling their franchise in the future. The absence of a fee for transfers to controlled entities provides flexibility for business structuring and estate planning. However, selling to an outside party will incur the stated transfer fees, which could impact the financial outcome of the sale. Franchisees should factor these costs into their long-term business and exit strategies.