Are the initial fees paid to Stretch Zone refundable under any circumstances?
Stretch_Zone Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
UNIFORMITY AND REFUNDABILITY OF INITIAL FEES
None of the initial fees paid to us that are described in this Item 5 are refundable under any circumstances. These initial fees are uniform for all of our franchisees, except as otherwise provided in this Item 5.
Source: Item 4 — ITEM -4 BANKRUPTCY (FDD pages 15–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Stretch Zone's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial fees paid to Stretch Zone are generally not refundable. The FDD explicitly states that none of the initial fees described in Item 5 are refundable under any circumstances. These fees are also stated to be uniform for all franchisees, unless otherwise specified in Item 5.
Item 5 details several initial fees, including the Initial Franchise Fee of $59,500, which may be discounted by 10% (to $53,550) for qualified honorably discharged veterans for their first franchise. Other initial fees include the Development Fee for franchisees acquiring rights to develop multiple locations, a fee for Furniture, Fixtures and Furnishings (ranging from $3,590 to $7,100), an Initial Contribution to the Media Fund of $500, and a Grand Opening Fee of $14,950.
Given the explicit statement in the FDD, prospective Stretch Zone franchisees should be aware that these initial investments are non-refundable. This is a common practice in franchising, as these fees typically cover the franchisor's initial costs in evaluating and setting up the franchisee. Franchisees should carefully consider their financial situation and business plan before committing to these non-refundable fees.