Is the Additional Initial Training Fee for Deer Solution pre-paid or paid after the training?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As designated by Franchisor in this Agreement, the Operations Manual, or otherwise, Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor and/or as otherwise directed by Franchisor, each of the following additional fees:
- (1) Brand Development Fund Fee Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliates, or Franchisor's designees the Brand Development Fund Fee as set forth in Article 9.A. of this Agreement. Brand Development Fund Fee, as applicable and, at Franchisor's election, may be prededucted by Franchisor from Gross Sales.
- (2) Non-Compliance Fees Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor all Non-Compliance Fees in accordance with the terms of this Agreement including, but not limited to, Payment Non-Compliance Fees, Operations Non-Compliance Fees, and Reporting Non-Compliance Fees.
- (3) Supplemental Training Fees Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor all training fees in accordance with the terms of this Agreement including, but not limited to, Additional Employee Initial Training fees and Supplemental Training Fees.
- (4) Quality Assurance Audit Fees Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliates, or Franchisor's designees on-going weekly, monthly, and/or per use fees related to quality assurance programs designated by Franchisor related to periodic inspections of Franchisee's Deer Solution Business and secret shopper evaluations.
- (5) Annual Conference Attendance Fees Franchisee shall be responsible for all expenses of its personnel attending the Annual System Conference including travel, meals, and lodging.
Franchisee shall be required to pay to Franchisor an Annual Conference Attendance Fee. Franchisee agrees that if Franchisee fails to attend the Annual System Conference that Franchisor shall, nevertheless, charge and Franchisee shall pay the Annual Conference Attendance Fee – even if Franchisor waives such fee for franchisees who attend the Annual System Conference. Annual Conference Attendance Fees, as applicable and, at Franchisor's election, may be pre-deducted by Franchisor from Gross Sales.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to pay additional fees as designated by Deer Solution. These fees include, but are not limited to, Brand Development Fund Fees, Non-Compliance Fees, Supplemental Training Fees, Quality Assurance Audit Fees, and Annual Conference Attendance Fees.
Specifically regarding training fees, the document states that franchisees must pay all training fees, including Additional Employee Initial Training fees and Supplemental Training Fees, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. However, the FDD does not specify whether these fees are to be paid before or after the training is conducted.
While the FDD does not explicitly state when the Additional Initial Training Fee is due, it does mention that certain fees, such as the Brand Development Fund Fee and Annual Conference Attendance Fees, may be pre-deducted from Gross Sales at Deer Solution's election. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Deer Solution the payment schedule for the Additional Initial Training Fee to understand when this expense will be incurred.