Is the Supplier Review fee for a Deck Medic franchise refundable if the supplier is not approved?
Deck_Medic Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Customer Service and Refunds (Note 8) | Varies under the circumstances | On demand | Applies if, in our discretion, we elect to resolve a complaint or refund request by a customer. |
| Annual Conference Attendance Fee (Note 9) | Our then current conference fee, not greater than $1,000 | When invoiced | Applies to conference fee for an annual System conference. |
| Additional Employee Initial Training | Our then current training fee, currently $600 per person per day | When invoiced and prior to training | Our initial pre-opening training is provided at no additional cost for you or your Managing Owner and one designated manager at no additional charge. This fee applies to additional individuals that we authorize to attend training. You are responsible for all fees, wages, and expenses associated with attendance. |
| Supplemental Training | Our then current daily rate per trainer, plus expenses we incur. Current rate is $600 per day | On demand | If you request or we require additional training, you must pay our then current trainer fee plus, if applicable, our expenses related to travel and accommodations. |
| Supplier Review | $500 plus actual fees, costs, and expenses | On demand | You must pay us the costs incurred by us to review and evaluate a potential supplier, product, or service that you submit to us for approval, regardless of whether we subsequently approve the product or supplier. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 11–15)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Deck Medic's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Supplier Review fee is not refundable. Deck Medic franchisees must pay $500 plus actual fees, costs, and expenses for the franchisor to review and evaluate a potential supplier, product, or service. This fee is charged regardless of whether Deck Medic ultimately approves the supplier or product.
This means that even if Deck Medic rejects a supplier or product that a franchisee suggests, the franchisee is still responsible for covering the costs Deck Medic incurred during the review process. These costs include the initial $500 fee, as well as any additional fees, costs, and expenses that Deck Medic incurs.
Prospective Deck Medic franchisees should carefully consider this policy, as it could lead to unexpected expenses if they frequently propose new suppliers or products that are not approved. Franchisees should aim to thoroughly research potential suppliers and products before submitting them to Deck Medic for review to minimize the risk of incurring non-refundable fees for unapproved vendors.