What is the amount of the nonrefundable on-site assistance fee that Southern Steer franchisees must pay?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will pay a nonrefundable on-site assistance fee ("On-Site Assistance Fee") for the on-site assistance We provide during Your grand opening (see Item 11). The On-Site Assistance Fee is $10,000. The On-Site Assistance Fee is payable per Our invoice after You satisfactorily complete the Initial Training Program.
In our last fiscal year, we did not collect any On-Site Assistance Fees.
Source: Item 4 — ITEM. 4 BANKRUPTCY (FDD pages 10–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must pay a nonrefundable on-site assistance fee of $10,000. This On-Site Assistance Fee covers the cost of up to three Southern Steer trainers providing on-site assistance for up to 10 days, typically around the grand opening.
The On-Site Assistance Fee is payable per Southern Steer's invoice after the franchisee satisfactorily completes the Initial Training Program. This fee is non-refundable, meaning that once paid, it will not be returned to the franchisee under any circumstances.
In the last fiscal year, Southern Steer did not collect any On-Site Assistance Fees. This could be due to various factors, such as no new franchises opening during that period or a temporary waiver of the fee. Prospective franchisees should confirm with Southern Steer whether this fee is currently being enforced and what the typical timing of the invoice is.
The FDD also notes that all expenditures paid to Southern Steer or its affiliates are nonrefundable under any circumstances once paid. This highlights the importance of carefully considering all fees and costs associated with the franchise before making any payments.