Are Engineering For Kids franchisees responsible for wages when attending the annual meeting?
Engineering_For_Kids Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You (or your managing owner), and/or other previously trained and experienced employees must also attend and satisfactorily complete various training courses that we periodically provide at the times and locations we designate. We will not require attendance for more than a total of 10 days during a calendar year. Besides attending these courses, we may require that you must attend an annual meeting of all franchisees at a location we designate. We will not require attendance at the annual meeting for more than 3 days during any calendar year. You are responsible for all related travel and living expenses and wages.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 25–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engineering For Kids' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for covering wages, travel, and living expenses when attending the annual meeting. Engineering For Kids may require franchisees (or their managing owner) and experienced employees to attend various training courses periodically, for no more than 10 days in a calendar year. In addition to these courses, Engineering For Kids may also require attendance at an annual meeting of all franchisees, which will not exceed 3 days in any calendar year. Franchisees are responsible for all associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and wages for themselves and their personnel.
This requirement means that franchisees must budget not only for the direct costs of travel and accommodation but also for the indirect costs of lost productivity and wages paid to employees while they are away for training or the annual meeting. This can represent a significant expense, especially for franchisees with multiple employees or those located far from the meeting location. Franchisees should factor these costs into their financial projections and business planning.
It is typical in the franchise industry for franchisees to bear the costs associated with attending training and conferences. This is because these events are seen as an investment in the franchisee's business and the overall success of the franchise system. However, the specific requirements and costs can vary widely among different franchise systems. Therefore, prospective Engineering For Kids franchisees should carefully consider these expenses and how they might impact their profitability.