Is the POS System and Technology Maintenance Fee for a Gold Star franchise refundable?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n-refundable |
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Funds Fee | $50 for each unsatisfied attempt to draw Continuing Franchise Fee or Brand Building Fees from your account by direct deposit. | As incurred | Payable to Gold Star Non-refundable |
| POS System and Technology Maintenance Fee17 | $981-$1,853 | Monthly | Payable to Gold Star Non-refundable |
| Liquidated Damages Upon Discontinuation or Abandonment | Average monthly continuing franchise fees during the 12 months preceding an abandonment or discontinuance of the Franchise, multiplied by the lesser of 24 or the number of months remaining in the term of the Franchise | Upon Abandonment or Discontinuance of the Franc |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 12–18)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Gold Star's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the POS System and Technology Maintenance Fee is non-refundable. This fee, which ranges from $981 to $1,853, is paid monthly to Gold Star.
This means that once a Gold Star franchisee pays this fee, they cannot get it back under any circumstances. This is a standard practice for many franchise systems, as these fees typically cover ongoing support, software updates, and maintenance of the technology systems that are crucial for running the business.
Prospective franchisees should factor this non-refundable fee into their ongoing operational costs. It is important to understand what specific services and support are covered by this fee and to evaluate whether the value received justifies the expense. Franchisees should also inquire about any potential increases in this fee over the term of the franchise agreement.