Can Big Blue Swim School control the performance of suppliers and distributors to Big Blue Swim Schools?

According to the 2025 Big Blue Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document, while Big Blue Swim School has the right to set standards for suppliers and distributors, they cannot fully control their performance. Big Blue Swim School and its affiliates negotiate purchase arrangements with suppliers for items such as promotional items, pool equipment, office supplies, retail goods, and swim teaching aids, aiming to benefit the franchise system as a whole. However, they might not always secure the best pricing or terms for franchisees.

Big Blue Swim School does have the right to condition approval of suppliers or distributors based on factors like product quality, safety, pricing, consistency, and financial stability. They can also inspect facilities, require samples, and revoke approval if a supplier no longer meets their criteria. Despite these measures, Big Blue Swim School retains the right to limit the number of approved suppliers, designate mandatory sources, and refuse franchisee requests for any reason, including having an exclusive source already in place.

However, Big Blue Swim School explicitly states that they and their affiliates "cannot control the performance of suppliers and distributors to BIG BLUE Swim Schools, including if their products or services fail to conform to or perform in compliance with Brand Standards or our contractual terms with the supplier or distributor." This disclaimer indicates that franchisees bear some risk regarding supplier performance, even when those suppliers are designated or approved by Big Blue Swim School. This is a critical point for prospective franchisees to consider, as it highlights a potential area of vulnerability in the supply chain where Big Blue Swim School's control is limited.