What costs are franchisees responsible for regarding Epcon Communities' initial training program?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
this disclosure document.
Note 13: Initial Training Program and Sessions:
This estimated fee refers to programs and sessions offered by us to new franchisees and their sales associates and construction personnel to help them become familiar with our Development System, the types of services typically provided by us, and the responsibilities and expectations associated with becoming a franchisee. At least one owner of the franchise business must attend the initial training program. We provide initial training in two installments, each lasting one day, and work with you to determine the timing of each installment so it is best-suited for you, based upon your prior development and construction experience, as well as the current status of your project. We may require your construction supervisor to attend the construction training session offered as part of the initial training program, which lasts one day. Currently, there is no fee for any of the initial training programs, however, you are responsible for transportation, lodging, and some meals of each of your attendees. We assume two owners will attend the initial training program and one construction person will attend construction training. We assume one sales person will attend sales training sessions. Training is currently held in Central Ohio, but we have the right to require you to attend virtual training. The estimated costs above are total for all expected attendees and include estimated costs of transportation, lodging and food.
Note 14: BuildTopia Software License:
Most franchisees purchase software licenses from builder software developers to assist them in managing their business.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 22–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Epcon Communities' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, while there is currently no fee for the initial training programs, franchisees are responsible for covering the transportation, lodging, and some meals for each attendee. The training is designed to familiarize new franchisees, their sales associates, and construction personnel with the Epcon Communities Development System, the services typically provided, and the responsibilities associated with being a franchisee.
The FDD states that at least one owner of the franchise business must attend the initial training program. Epcon Communities provides initial training in two installments, each lasting one day, and works with the franchisee to schedule these installments based on their prior experience and the project's current status. Epcon Communities may also require the construction supervisor to attend a one-day construction training session as part of the initial training program. The company estimates costs for two owners attending the initial training, one construction person attending construction training, and one salesperson attending sales training sessions.
The training is currently held in Central Ohio, but Epcon Communities retains the right to require virtual attendance. The estimated costs for transportation, lodging, and food for all expected attendees range from $2,000 to $3,000. This means that a prospective franchisee should budget for these out-of-pocket expenses when planning their initial investment. Franchisees should also consider potential travel costs to Central Ohio, unless virtual training is mandated.