For a Marble Slab Creamery franchise in Washington, to what extent are transfer fees collectable?

According to the 2025 Marble Slab Creamery FDD, transfer fees in Washington state are collectable, but with a specific limitation. The fees must directly correlate with Marble Slab Creamery's reasonable estimated or actual costs incurred during the transfer process. This means Marble Slab Creamery cannot charge arbitrary or inflated transfer fees; the fees must be justified by the expenses they incur.

This provision protects prospective Marble Slab Creamery franchisees in Washington from excessive transfer fees. It ensures that franchisees are only responsible for covering the legitimate costs associated with transferring the franchise, such as administrative work, legal reviews, and training of the new franchisee. This requirement for reasonableness and justification provides a level of transparency and fairness in the transfer process.

For a potential Marble Slab Creamery franchisee in Washington, it's crucial to understand what constitutes 'reasonable estimated or actual costs.' During the transfer process, franchisees should request a detailed breakdown of the transfer fees to ensure they align with this standard. If the fees seem excessive or unjustified, franchisees have grounds to challenge them under Washington state law.