What is the estimated range for training costs for a Gold Star franchise?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Expenditure | Amount for Free Standing Building | Amount for Inline Space | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Payment Is To Be Made | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Signs and Awning | $38,737 to $46,285 | $31,510 to $38,737 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Approved Contractors | | Training5 | $5,500 to $10,000 | $5,500 to $10,000 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Employees, Miscellaneous Vendors | | Licenses & Permits | $1,350 to $11,972 | $1,000 to $5,000 | As Arranged | Before Beginning Operations | Licensing Authorities | | Legal & Accounting | $2,500 | $2,500 | As Arranged | Before Beginning Operations | Attorney, Accountant | | Office Equipment and | $1,000 | $1,000 | As Arranged | Before Opening | Suppliers | | Supplies | | | | | | Note 5: Gold Star does not charge a training fee for you and 1 attendee designated by you for 1-time enrollment in the initial training program but you must pay all wage and compensation obligations for each employee-attendee as well as each attendee's travel, lodging, meals and other related or incidental expenses incurred in attending the training program.
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 18–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for training ranges from $5,500 to $10,000 for both free-standing and inline space locations. This cost is detailed in the initial investment estimates. However, Gold Star does not charge a training fee for the franchisee and one designated attendee for the initial training program.
Despite Gold Star not charging a training fee, franchisees are responsible for all wage and compensation obligations for each employee-attendee. Franchisees must also cover each attendee's travel, lodging, meals, and other related expenses incurred while attending the training program. These 'Training' costs are payable to employees and miscellaneous vendors before opening.
Therefore, while the initial training program itself doesn't have a direct fee, franchisees should budget between $5,500 and $10,000 to cover the costs associated with sending themselves and their staff to the required training. This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the overall initial investment for a Gold Star franchise.