Are any of the estimated initial investment payments for a Gokhale Method franchise refundable, except as otherwise noted?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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- Note 1: Franchisees pay $4,000 as an initial fee. The franchise fee is not refundable.
- Note 2: This item covers estimated travel, food and lodging for taking the Immersion Week of Initial Training. These amounts will vary depending on how far you have to travel, how you travel, and where you stay. The amount may or may not be refundable, depending on the vendor.
- Note 3: Amounts for space vary. You may rent space for a day or weekend in order to give a weekend intensive course, or you may rent for weeks or months. Some venues may allow you to use space without charge. Amounts will vary depending upon the location, the condition of the premises and many other factors. You are encouraged to shop around. These amounts may be refundable under certain circumstances, depending on the landlord.
- Note 4: These estimates include the equipment and furnishings necessary to conduct classes and include a laptop computer and software; iPhone with data plan or iPad, mats and pillows for 8 students; a projector and screen; height implements; folding chairs; books, Stretchsit® Cushions, Gokhale® Wedges, Gokhale® Head Cushions, and a Gokhale Pain-Free™ Chair. Many of these items, although not all, can be purchased from any source, and prices may vary depending upon the source and the condition of the equipment. Whether they are refundable or not depends on the vendor. Certain items, such as the Stretchsit Cushion, Gokhale Wedge, Gokhale Head Cushion, and Gokhale Pain-Free Chair must be purchased from us. See Item 8 for further details.
- Note 5: You will need to have at least one telephone line and a high-speed Internet connection. The cost of these connections varies, depending upon your local provider, as does the refundability of these costs.
- Note 6: This estimate includes fees for the bimonthly Teacher Webinar ($240), the Annual Meeting ($450), and the Gokhale Active (Premium) membership ($140). They are not refundable.
- Note 7: This estimate covers costs of flyers, brochures and a reasonable amount of additional advertising to launch your Franchised Business. These amounts are not refundable from the franchisor; to the extent that you purchase them from other vendors, they may be refundable.
- Note 8: This amount includes working capital for the first 3 months of operating the Franchised Business. This estimate is based upon the experience of Esther Gokhale in opening and operating a similar business, and we cannot assure you that you will not have additional expenses in starting your Franchised Business. You should not expect to generate sufficient revenue to live on during the initial three months.
- Note 9: This is an estimate for a general liability policy in conformity with the requirements of the Franchise Agreement.
Except as otherwise noted, none of these payments are refundable. These payments are only estimates and your costs may be higher, depending on your particular circumstances.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 13–15)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the refundability of certain initial investment payments depends on the vendor or landlord, while others are explicitly non-refundable. The franchise fee of $4,000 is not refundable. Travel, food, and lodging expenses for the Immersion Week of Initial Training may or may not be refundable, depending on the vendor's policies. Amounts paid for space rental may be refundable under certain circumstances, depending on the landlord's policies. For furnishings and equipment, many items can be purchased from any source, and their refundability depends on the vendor. The costs for telephone and internet connections also vary by provider, as does their refundability. Fees for the bimonthly Teacher Webinar ($240), the Annual Meeting ($450), and the Gokhale Active (Premium) membership ($140) are not refundable. Marketing expenses may be refundable if purchased from vendors other than the franchisor. Except as otherwise noted, none of these payments are refundable. These payments are only estimates and your costs may be higher, depending on your particular circumstances. You should review these figures carefully with a business advisor, accountant or attorney before making any decision to purchase a franchise. We do not offer any financing for your initial investment or any other items. The availability and terms of financing with third-party lenders will depend on factors such as the availability of financing generally, your credit-worthiness and policies of lending institutions concerning the type of business to be operated.