What costs are Cr3 American Exteriors franchisees responsible for incurring during the Initial Training?
Cr3_American_Exteriors Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. Initial Training.
You and any General Manager working for you must attend and successfully complete our initial franchisee training before you may operate the Franchise Business. We do not charge for Initial Training, but you must pay for any travel and living expenses to attend. The Initial Training must be completed within sixty days (60) days of signing the Franchise Agreement. If any in person training is required, the franchisee will be responsible for their travel, hotel, and food.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 53–150)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cr3 American Exteriors's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while the franchisor does not charge a fee for the initial training program, franchisees are responsible for covering certain expenses. Specifically, the franchisee must pay for any travel and living expenses to attend the initial training. If any in-person training is required, the franchisee will be responsible for their travel, hotel, and food costs. The initial training must be completed within 60 days of signing the Franchise Agreement.
This means that a prospective Cr3 American Exteriors franchisee needs to factor in the costs of transportation (flights, gas, etc.), accommodation (hotel), and meals when budgeting for their initial investment. These costs can vary significantly depending on the training location (Hanover, PA or online) and the franchisee's distance from that location. It is important to note that these expenses are in addition to the initial franchise fee of $40,000 and other startup costs.
Furthermore, franchisees are also responsible for an initial technology fee of $1,000 prior to attending Initial Training. This fee provides a one-month license to use Cr3 American Exteriors' designated technology platform, which must be set up before training because it is utilized during the Initial Training program. After the initial training, the franchisee will then be responsible for the then-current monthly technology fee, which is currently $1,000 per month.
In addition to initial training, Cr3 American Exteriors may also require franchisees to attend advanced or refresher training, either electronically or in person. Similar to the initial training, the franchisee is responsible for travel, hotel, and food costs if any in-person advanced training is required. Therefore, franchisees should be prepared for ongoing training-related expenses throughout the term of the franchise agreement.