16 frequently asked questions answered with data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
The total initial investment to open a Chatime franchise ranges from $293K to $480K (2025 FDD). This includes the franchise fee, equipment, build-out, inventory, and working capital needed before opening.
View full investment analysisThe initial franchise fee for Chatime is $55K (2025 FDD). This one-time fee is paid to the franchisor when signing the franchise agreement and covers the right to use the brand, systems, and initial training.
View full investment analysisData sourced from the Chatime 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Always review the most current FDD and consult with a franchise attorney before making investment decisions.
No, Chatime does not require franchisees to have dedicated real estate (2025 FDD). This can significantly reduce startup costs and ongoing overhead.
View full investment analysisChatime charges a royalty fee of 5.0% of gross sales (2025 FDD). This ongoing fee is typically paid weekly or monthly to the franchisor for continued use of the brand and support systems.
View full fees analysisThe total ongoing fee rate for a Chatime franchise is approximately 7.0% of gross sales (2025 FDD). This includes the royalty fee, a 2.0% marketing/advertising fund contribution, a $750/month technology fee, and other recurring charges.
View full fees analysisChatime has been involved in 2 litigation cases over the past 3 years (2025 FDD). There are no class action lawsuits pending.
View full litigation analysisNo, the Chatime franchisor has no bankruptcy filings in their disclosure history (2025 FDD).
View full litigation analysisChatime offers exclusive territory rights to its franchisees (2025 FDD). The franchise agreement includes encroachment protection, preventing the franchisor from placing another unit in your territory. Online sales are managed by the franchisor, not individual franchisees.
View full territory analysisChatime currently operates 19 locations (2025 FDD) (16 franchised, 3 company-owned). The system grew by 46.1% over the past year. The 3-year compound annual growth rate is 16.6%.
View full growth analysisThe 1-year franchisee turnover rate for Chatime is 0.0% (2025 FDD). This includes closures, terminations, non-renewals, and transfers. A lower turnover rate generally indicates higher franchisee satisfaction and system stability.
View full growth analysisAccording to the Chatime FDD Item 19 financial performance representation (2025 FDD), the median gross sales per unit is $244K (average: $370K).
View full financials analysisThe initial franchise agreement term for Chatime is 10 years (2025 FDD). Franchisees can renew 1 time for 10-year periods. The total potential term is 20 years.
View full contract analysisChatime's post-termination non-compete clause restricts former franchisees from operating a competing business for 2 years within 25 miles of the former location (2025 FDD).
View full legal analysisYes, Chatime's franchise agreement requires mandatory arbitration for dispute resolution (2025 FDD). The agreement includes a jury trial waiver.
View full legal analysisChatime provides 58 hours of initial training over approximately 2 weeks (2025 FDD). Ongoing field support is provided on a annual basis.
View full support analysisYes, Chatime provides site selection assistance to help franchisees find the right location (2025 FDD). The franchisor also provides technology support and systems.
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