factual

How is the Brand Development Fund Fee determined for Dryer Vent Squad franchisees?

Dryer_Vent_Squad Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

MARKETING**

Franchisor is not required to conduct any marketing on behalf of Franchisee or the System.

9.A. BRAND DEVELOPMENT FUND

At all times and from time to time, as determined by Franchisor, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, Franchisor may institute, implement, maintain, delegate and administer a brand development fund (the "Brand Development Fund"). The following shall apply to the Brand Development Fund at all times throughout the Term:

  • (1) If Franchisor institutes the Brand Development Fund, Franchisee shall pay, on the Due Date, a mandatory and continuing fee to the Brand Development Fund in an amount equal to a percentage of Gross Sales (as determined and designated by Franchisor in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment) for each monthly Accounting Period (the "Brand Development Fund Fee"), provided, however, Franchisee will not be required to contribute more than 2% of the Gross Sales of the Franchised Business for each monthly Accounting Period;
  • (2) Franchisor will provide Franchisee with written notice of the percentage of Gross Sales that Franchisee is required to contribute to the Brand Development Fund. Upon such written notice to Franchisee, the percentage of Gross Sales to be paid by Franchisee to the Brand Development Fund will be applicable for each and every monthly Accounting Period thereafter during the Term until otherwise designated by Franchisor in writing. The Brand Development Fund Fee shall be paid to Franchisor on the Due Date and in accordance with the payment terms and method set forth in Article 5.B. for the payment of Royalty Fees or as otherwise designated by Franchisor;
  • (3) Franchisor, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, shall direct all advertising, media placement, marketing and public relations programs and activities financed by the Brand Development Fund, with sole discretion over the strategic direction, creative concepts, materials, and endorsements used by the Brand Development Fund, and the geographic, market, and media placement and allocation thereof. Without limiting the foregoing, the Brand Development Fund may also be utilized for evaluation and monitoring of the Business Management Systems, maintenance and upgrades to the System Website, and development of Digital Media;
  • (4) Franchisee agrees that the purpose of the advertising, media, marketing and activities financed by the Brand Development Fund is and shall be for the general enhancement of the System brand as associated with the Licensed Marks and general public brand recognition and awareness of the Licensed Marks. The Brand Development Fund will not be utilized to directly or indirectly market or promote the Franchised Business or, unless otherwise directed by Franchisor, in Franchisor's Reasonable Business Judgment, pay for media placements that may benefit or include any media market that includes Franchisee's Administrative Office or Operating Territory;
  • (5)

Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–207)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

According to the 2024 Dryer Vent Squad FDD, the Brand Development Fund Fee is a mandatory, ongoing fee that franchisees must pay. This fee is a percentage of the franchise's Gross Sales, determined and designated by Dryer Vent Squad in their reasonable business judgment. However, the FDD stipulates that franchisees will not be required to contribute more than 2% of their Gross Sales for each monthly accounting period.

Dryer Vent Squad will provide written notice to the franchisee specifying the percentage of Gross Sales required for the Brand Development Fund Fee. Once notified, this percentage remains applicable for each monthly accounting period throughout the term of the agreement, unless Dryer Vent Squad designates otherwise in writing. The Brand Development Fund Fee is due on the date specified and must be paid according to the payment terms and methods outlined for Royalty Fees, or as otherwise designated by Dryer Vent Squad.

Dryer Vent Squad has sole discretion over the advertising, media placement, marketing, and public relations programs financed by the Brand Development Fund. The fund's purpose is to enhance the Dryer Vent Squad brand, increase public recognition, and raise awareness of the licensed marks. The Brand Development Fund will not directly market or promote an individual franchise unless specifically directed by Dryer Vent Squad. Dryer Vent Squad-owned businesses are not required to pay the Brand Development Fund Fee.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.