{"code":"CORP","codeName":"Corporations Code","section":"31011","citation":"Corp. Code, § 31011","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"TITLE 4. SECURITIES [25000. - 31528.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/corporations-code/title-4"},{"name":"DIVISION 5. FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW [31000. - 31528.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/corporations-code/title-4/division-5"},{"name":"PART 1. DEFINITIONS [31000. - 31020.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/corporations-code/title-4/division-5/part-1"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 664, Sec. 54.   Effective January 1, 2003.","effective":"2003-01-01","html":"<p>“Franchise fee” means any fee or charge that a franchisee or subfranchisor is required to pay or agrees to pay for the right to enter into a business under a franchise agreement, including, but not limited to, any payment for goods and services.</p><p>However, the following shall not be considered the payment of a franchise fee:</p><p>(a) The purchase or agreement to purchase goods at a bona fide wholesale price if no obligation is imposed upon the purchaser to purchase or pay for a quantity of the goods in excess of that which a reasonable businessperson normally would purchase by way of a starting inventory or supply or to maintain a going inventory or supply.</p><p>(b) The payment of a reasonable service charge to the issuer of a credit card by an establishment accepting or honoring that credit card.</p><p>(c) Amounts paid to a trading stamp company under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 17750) of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code by a person issuing trading stamps in connection with the retail sale of merchandise or service.</p>","text":"“Franchise fee” means any fee or charge that a franchisee or subfranchisor is required to pay or agrees to pay for the right to enter into a business under a franchise agreement, including, but not limited to, any payment for goods and services. However, the following shall not be considered the payment of a franchise fee: (a) The purchase or agreement to purchase goods at a bona fide wholesale price if no obligation is imposed upon the purchaser to purchase or pay for a quantity of the goods in excess of that which a reasonable businessperson normally would purchase by way of a starting inventory or supply or to maintain a going inventory or supply. (b) The payment of a reasonable service charge to the issuer of a credit card by an establishment accepting or honoring that credit card. (c) Amounts paid to a trading stamp company under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 17750) of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code by a person issuing trading stamps in connection with the retail sale of merchandise or service.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/corporations-code/definitions-31011","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}