Are expenses payable to Degree Wellness and third parties refundable?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
r additional information regarding any financing options. All expenses payable to us and third parties are non-refundable, except as you may arrange for utility deposits and other payments. (3 Months)
- Initial Franchise Fee; Initial Training Fee. The Initial Franchise Fee and Initial Training Fee that are payable in a lump sum upon execution of your Franchise Agreement is
- disclosed more fully in Item 5, and is deemed fully earned and non-refundable upon payment.
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- Training Program Expenses. These are the costs that we estimate for you and up to one (1) additional person to attend the portion of our Initial Training Program that takes place at a corporate training location (currently Michigan). In addition to the Initial Training Fee, you are responsible for the costs associated with attending training. These costs include transportation, meals, and lodging. Your total cost will vary based on who you choose to attend, how far they have to travel, and the type of accommodations you choose.
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 22–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, expenses payable to Degree Wellness and third parties are generally non-refundable. The FDD specifies that all expenses payable to Degree Wellness and third parties are non-refundable unless franchisees arrange otherwise for utility deposits and other payments. The initial franchise fee and initial training fee are deemed fully earned and non-refundable upon payment.
However, there are exceptions. For training program expenses, which include transportation, meals, and lodging, Degree Wellness notes that these costs are typically non-refundable, but franchisees should inquire about refund policies with the vendors. Additionally, security deposits paid to landlords may be refundable, but rental payments are typically not. Franchisees are advised to confirm the refund policy with their leasing agent or landlord before signing a lease agreement.
Prospective Degree Wellness franchisees should carefully review the refund policies of all third-party providers and Degree Wellness itself before making any payments. Understanding which fees are non-refundable is crucial for financial planning and risk management. Franchisees should also consider negotiating favorable terms with vendors and landlords to protect their investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.