Are the fees paid to Cream refundable?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as described in this Item 6, all fees are imposed and collected by and payable to us, though we may transfer these rights to our affiliates. These fees are non-refundable and uniformly imposed. All amounts paid to us and our affiliates must be in United States Dollars (
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 13–17)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, most fees are non-refundable. Specifically, Item 6 states that all fees are non-refundable, except as otherwise described within the same Item. This means that a prospective Cream franchisee should carefully review Item 6 to identify any specific instances where a fee might be refundable.
Given this general policy of non-refundability, it is crucial for potential Cream franchisees to fully understand all the fees involved before signing the franchise agreement. This includes not only the initial franchise fee but also ongoing fees such as royalty fees, marketing fees, and any other fees outlined in Item 6. Franchisees should budget accordingly and ensure they have sufficient capital to cover these expenses, as they will likely not be able to recover these costs if they decide to terminate the agreement or if the franchise does not perform as expected.
While the FDD specifies that most fees are non-refundable, it also mentions exceptions may exist within Item 6. Therefore, a prospective franchisee should meticulously examine the entire Item 6, including all tables and explanatory notes, to identify any fees that may be refundable under certain conditions. If any ambiguity remains, it is advisable to seek clarification from Cream directly or consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand the refund policies associated with each specific fee.