Is attendance at the Deer Solution 'Annual System Conference' mandatory?
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, attendance at the Annual System Conference is not explicitly mandatory; however, franchisees are still required to pay the Annual Conference Attendance Fee, even if they do not attend, unless Deer Solution waives the fee for those who do not attend. The Annual System Conference is defined as a conference that may be established and organized by Deer Solution for the purpose of facilitating networking among franchisees and general education.
Deer Solution retains the discretion to determine whether an Annual System Conference will occur in any given year, including decisions on the dates, content, and location. The conference will not exceed three consecutive days per calendar year. Franchisees are responsible for covering all costs associated with their travel to and attendance at the Annual System Conference.
The Annual Conference Attendance Fee is determined by Deer Solution, but will not exceed $1,500 annually. This fee structure means that franchisees need to budget for this expense, regardless of whether they attend the conference, potentially impacting their profitability if they choose not to participate. This policy could be a point of consideration for prospective franchisees, as it represents a fixed cost, irrespective of the perceived value derived from the conference itself.