Is the 'Annual Conference Attendance Fee' paid by the Deer Solution franchisee to the franchisor?
Deer_Solution Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
- (6) Software Fee Franchisee shall pay to Franchisor, Franchisor's affiliates, or Franchisor's designees a continuing monthly non-refundable software fee (the "Software Fee"). Franchisor reserves the right to increase the Software Fee at any time in the future. The Software Fee, as applicable and at Franchisor's election, may be pre-deducted by Franchisor from Gross Sales.
- (7) Professional Referral Fee –Franchisee shall participate in the Professional Referral Program.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 55–246)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Deer Solution's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is required to pay an Annual Conference Attendance Fee to the franchisor. The document specifies that even if a franchisee does not attend the Annual System Conference, Deer Solution reserves the right to charge, and the franchisee is obligated to pay, the Annual Conference Attendance Fee.
The purpose of the Annual System Conference is to facilitate networking among Deer Solution franchisees and provide general education. Deer Solution determines whether the Annual System Conference will occur in any given year, including the dates, content, and location. The conference will not exceed three consecutive days per calendar year. The Annual Conference Attendance Fee will not exceed $1,500 annually.
This fee structure means that franchisees must budget for this expense regardless of their attendance. This policy could be a point of consideration for prospective franchisees, as it represents a mandatory cost associated with the franchise, irrespective of the franchisee's participation in the conference. Franchisees are also responsible for all costs and expenses associated with their travel to and attendance at the Annual System Conference.