Is the initial fee for proprietary boxes and merchandise refundable when opening a Crave Cookies franchise?

According to Crave Cookies' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial fee for proprietary boxes and merchandise, which includes the new store beginning order, is not explicitly stated as refundable or non-refundable within Item 5. The initial franchise fee of $39,500 is clearly stated as non-refundable. However, the documentation does state that you must purchase the boxes and promotional merchandise you will use in the operation of the franchised business from Crave Cookies Franchising, LLC. This requirement includes the new store beginning order that is currently $6585.00 and includes beginning boxes and supplies.

Item 7 of the FDD states that lease security deposits and utility deposits will usually be refundable unless money is owed to the landlord or utility provider. It also states that none of the other expenditures in the table will be refundable. It is important to note that the cost of the proprietary boxes and merchandise is not listed in the table in Item 7.

Prospective franchisees should clarify with Crave Cookies whether the $6585.00 for the initial purchase of proprietary boxes and merchandise is refundable under any circumstances. Understanding the refundability of this specific fee is crucial for assessing the overall financial risk and investment required to start a Crave Cookies franchise.