What is the maximum conference fee Cream can charge per person for the annual meeting?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
complete various ongoing training courses and/or certification programs at the times and locations that we designate, including courses and programs provided by us, our affiliates, our representatives, or other third-parties we designate. We may also require you (or if you are an Entity, your Principal Owner) and your Shopkeeper attend an annual meeting of franchise owners at the location we designate. If we host such a conference (
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 61–192)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cream may require the franchisee (or their Principal Owner if the franchisee is an entity) and their Shopkeeper to attend an annual meeting of franchise owners. If Cream hosts such a conference, which they are not obligated to do, the franchisee must pay Cream's then-current conference fee, up to a maximum of $1,500 per person, for the franchisee (or the Principal Owner) and the Shopkeeper. This fee is mandatory regardless of whether these individuals actually attend the conference. This means that even if the franchisee or their Shopkeeper cannot attend the annual meeting, they are still obligated to pay the conference fee up to $1,500 per person.
This mandatory fee, regardless of attendance, could be a significant expense for franchisees, especially if they operate multiple locations or have a high turnover of Shopkeepers. Franchisees should factor this potential cost into their financial planning and consider it when evaluating the overall value of the Cream franchise opportunity. It is important to note that Cream is not obligated to host a conference, so this fee may not be incurred every year. However, franchisees should be prepared for this potential expense.
It is typical in franchising for franchisors to hold annual or periodic conferences. These meetings can provide valuable training and networking opportunities for franchisees. However, the cost of attending these conferences can vary widely among franchise systems. Some franchisors may cover the cost of the conference as part of the franchise agreement, while others may charge a fee to attend. The Cream franchise requires payment of the conference fee regardless of attendance, which is a less common practice. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the frequency and location of these meetings to estimate the potential travel costs, in addition to the conference fee, and factor these costs into their overall investment analysis.