Is a Secret Shopper Fee currently required for Deka Lash franchisees?
Deka_Lash Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secret | Currently we are not requiring a Secret Shopper Fee; however, we reserve the right to require one in the future. | As incurred. | You must reimburse us, or our designated vendor, for a 3rd party to secret shop your location and service. You also must reimburse us, or our designated vendor, for the fees paid to you by our secret shopper for the services provided at your studio. |
| Shopper Fee |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 15–23)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Deka Lash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Secret Shopper Fee is not currently required. However, Deka Lash retains the right to implement this fee in the future.
If Deka Lash decides to implement the Secret Shopper Fee, franchisees would be responsible for reimbursing Deka Lash or their designated vendor for the costs associated with a third party conducting secret shops at their location and service. This reimbursement would also cover the fees paid to the secret shopper for the services they receive at the Deka Lash studio.
This type of fee is not uncommon in the franchise industry, as it allows the franchisor to monitor quality and customer service standards across all locations. The "Due Date" for this fee is listed as "As incurred."
Prospective franchisees should be aware that while the Secret Shopper Fee is not currently in effect, it could be implemented at any time at Deka Lash's discretion. It would be prudent to inquire about the potential frequency and cost of such secret shops to better understand the potential financial impact.