How much does an additional copy of the manual cost for a Gold Star franchise?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier Payment Assignment5 | 100% of product and/or advertising rebates or allowances from certain system- wide suppliers | Assigned when Franchise Agreement is signed | Payable to GSCAA Non-refundable |
| Inventory and Other Materials6 | See Item 8 of this disclosure document | On delivery or as established by designated supplier | Payable to designated supplier Non-refundable |
| Manual Fee | $100 for any additional copy | On delivery | Payable to Gold Star Non-refundable |
| Additional Training Fee7 | Reasonable training fee at our current rates. Also, you must reimburse us for our reasonable out of pocket costs (travel, accommodations, etc.) | Before opening or after you open your franchised Restaurant for business. | Payable to Gold Star Non-refundable |
| Approval Fees8 | Not to exceed reasonable cost of inspection and actual cost of testing or evaluation | On demand | Payable to Gold Star Non-refundable |
| Transfer Fee9 | Set by Gold Star in its discretion - currently $3,500 | Before consummation of transfer or sale | Payable to Gold Star by any transferee (not the Franchisor) Non-refundable |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 12–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must pay $100 for any additional copy of the manual. This fee is due upon delivery of the manual and is payable directly to Gold Star. The fee is non-refundable, meaning that once paid, it cannot be recovered, regardless of whether the manual is used or not.
This fee is in addition to other fees that Gold Star franchisees must pay, such as the Continuing Franchise Fee and Brand Building Fees. It is important for prospective franchisees to factor this cost into their initial investment and ongoing expenses. The manual likely contains important operational guidelines and standards, so having enough copies for key staff members may be a worthwhile investment, despite the fee.
While $100 may seem like a relatively minor expense compared to the overall cost of opening a Gold Star franchise, these types of fees can add up. Franchisees should carefully review the FDD to understand all of the fees they will be responsible for paying to Gold Star throughout the term of the franchise agreement. Understanding these costs upfront can help franchisees budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.