What aspects of the School's operation does Big Blue Swim School's Brand Standards regulate?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must operate the School according to our Brand Standards. Brand Standards may regulate, among other things, types, models, and brands of furniture, fixtures, signs, and equipment (including components of and required software licenses for the Computer System) required for the School (collectively, "Operating Assets"); required, authorized, and unauthorized services and products for the School; and designated and approved manufacturers, suppliers, and/or distributors of items and services. You must buy or lease all Operating Assets, products, and services you use or sell at the School only according to Brand Standards and, if we require, only from manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors we designate or approve (which may include or be limited to us, certain of our affiliates, and/or other restricted sources) at the prices those suppliers choose to charge.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 29–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Blue Swim School's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Brand Standards regulate various aspects of the school's operation. These standards dictate the types, models, and brands of furniture, fixtures, signs, and equipment, including the required software licenses for the computer system, which are collectively referred to as "Operating Assets." Additionally, the Brand Standards govern the services and products that are authorized, required, or unauthorized for use at the school. They also specify the designated and approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors from whom franchisees must source these items and services.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Big Blue Swim School has significant control over the look, feel, and operation of each franchise location. Franchisees must adhere to these standards when purchasing or leasing all Operating Assets, products, and services used or sold at the school. This includes ensuring compliance with the designated suppliers and approved sources specified by Big Blue Swim School. The franchisor can modify these Brand Standards, potentially requiring additional capital investments or higher operating costs to accommodate regional or local variations.
Big Blue Swim School enforces these Brand Standards to maintain quality, protect intellectual property, and ensure a consistent brand experience across all locations. While franchisees may propose alternative suppliers, Big Blue Swim School retains the right to approve or disapprove them based on criteria such as product quality, safety, financial stability, and customer relations. Franchisees must implement any changes in mandatory Brand Standards within the timeframe requested by Big Blue Swim School, with exceptions for changes in the computer system and signage and marketing materials.