Under what circumstances, if any, is the initial training fee for a Degree Wellness franchise refundable?
Degree_Wellness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ny circumstances.
Initial Training Fee
You will pay to us a $8,000 initial training fee for our two-stage initial training program. The initial training fee is due in a lump sum when you sign your Franchise Agreement and is not refundable under any circumstances. The initial training fee is uniformly imposed and includes a 3-day Business Training currently hosted in Ann Arbor and on-site Studio Training with a Corporate Studio Opener. On-site Studio training is typically 5 days with a corporate representative in person to assist you with the startup of your Degree Wellness Studio.
Initial Training Fee is due only in connection with the opening of your first Studio. Currently, Initial Training for subsequent studios, or in relationship to the transfer of an existing studio to new ownership, will be offered at the rates provided in Item 6 and typically includes the fees associated with the return of a Studio Opener if requested or required by the franchisor. We charge you $300 per day, per corporate employee, for any return on-site training exceeding the standard five days, plus travel, food, and accommodations and all other necessary expenses, subject to increase by us of
Source: Item 5 — Initial Fees (FDD pages 13–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Degree Wellness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial training fee is not refundable under any circumstances. The initial training fee is $8,000, which is paid in a lump sum when the Franchise Agreement is signed. This fee covers a two-stage initial training program, including a 3-day Business Training hosted in Ann Arbor and on-site Studio Training with a Corporate Studio Opener, typically lasting 5 days.
This non-refundable policy means that once a prospective Degree Wellness franchisee pays the $8,000 initial training fee, they will not receive a refund, regardless of whether they complete the training or ultimately open a studio. This is a standard practice in franchising, as the franchisor incurs costs in preparing and delivering the training program.
Degree Wellness offers initial training for subsequent studios, or in relationship to the transfer of an existing studio to new ownership, at rates provided in Item 6. This training typically includes fees associated with the return of a Studio Opener if requested or required by the franchisor. Degree Wellness charges $300 per day, per corporate employee, for any return on-site training exceeding the standard five days, plus travel, food, accommodations, and all other necessary expenses, subject to increase by Degree Wellness of up to $1,000 per day, per corporate employee. Franchisees should factor this non-refundable fee into their initial investment calculations and be certain of their commitment to the Degree Wellness franchise before signing the Franchise Agreement.