Is the initial franchise fee for a Pearce Bespoke franchise refundable?

According to the 2025 Pearce Bespoke Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee is generally non-refundable. The standard initial franchise fee is $55,900 for a territory with a population between 50,000 and 200,000 people, or $29,000 for a territory with a population of no more than 50,000 people. This fee is deemed earned by Pearce Bespoke upon receipt.

This means that once a prospective franchisee pays the initial franchise fee to Pearce Bespoke and signs the Franchise Agreement, they will not receive a refund of this fee under normal circumstances. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as the fee covers Pearce Bespoke's initial costs in evaluating the franchisee, setting up the franchise, and providing initial training and support.

While the initial franchise fee is non-refundable, the FDD notes that utility deposits and lease security deposits may be refundable. These refunds would be governed by the terms of the utility company or lessor, not Pearce Bespoke. It is important for a prospective franchisee to understand this policy and factor it into their financial planning, as the initial franchise fee is a significant upfront investment that is not recoverable if the franchise does not proceed as planned.

Prospective franchisees should carefully consider this non-refundable aspect of the initial franchise fee and conduct thorough due diligence before signing the Franchise Agreement and paying the fee. They should also seek legal and financial advice to fully understand the implications of this policy.