Is there a relocation fee for Fitstop franchisees, and if so, is it the then-current fee?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You may not relocate the Premises of your Franchised Business without our written consent, which we will not unreasonably withhold provided: (i) the new location is located within your Designated Territory and meets our thencurrent criteria for a System-associated Premises; and (ii) you pay our then-current relocation fee (if any). When considering a request for relocation, we may take into account the desirability of the proposed new location, its distance from other and future-planned franchised locations, the traffic patterns, security, cost, and the demographics of the area, proximity of competition, parking, as well as any other related factors we deem appropriate. These are the same kinds of factors we consider when evaluating your initial Premises.
Source: Item 12 — TERRITORY (FDD pages 35–37)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may need to relocate their business premises, which requires Fitstop's written consent. Fitstop will assess the new location based on factors like desirability, distance from other locations, traffic, security, cost, demographics, competition proximity, and parking, similar to the initial premises evaluation.
To relocate, a Fitstop franchisee must meet two conditions. First, the new location must be within the franchisee's designated territory and meet Fitstop's current criteria for a System-associated Premises. Second, the franchisee must pay Fitstop's then-current relocation fee, if such a fee exists at the time of relocation.
This means that if Fitstop has a relocation fee in place when a franchisee decides to move their business, the franchisee will be responsible for paying that fee. The FDD does not specify the amount of the relocation fee, but it clarifies that the fee is whatever amount Fitstop has set at the time of the relocation request. Franchisees should inquire about the current relocation fee and the criteria for an approved premises to fully understand the costs and requirements associated with relocating their Fitstop business.