What factors may Big Blue Swim School consider when approving a supplier?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
7.D.2 We may condition our written approval of a supplier or distributor on requirements relating to product quality and safety; third-party lab testing; prices; consistency; warranty; supply-chain reliability and integrity; financial stability; customer relations; frequency, economy, and efficiency of delivery; concentration of purchases; standards of service (including prompt attention to complaints); and other criteria. We have the right to inspect the proposed supplier's or distributor's facilities and to require the proposed supplier or distributor to deliver product samples or items, at our option, either directly to us or to any third party we designate for testing. If we approve a supplier or
distributor you recommend, you agree that we may allow other BIG BLUE Swim Schools to purchase or lease the Operating Assets or other products or services from those suppliers or distributors without limitation and without compensation to you.
7.D.3 Despite the foregoing, we may limit the number of approved suppliers and distributors with which you may deal, designate sources you must use, and refuse any of your requests for any reason, including, without limitation, because we have already designated an exclusive source (which might be us or one of our affiliates) for a particular item or service or believe that doing so is in the BIG BLUE Swim School network's best interests. You acknowledge that it might be disadvantageous from a cost and service basis to have more than one supplier in a given market area, and that we have the right to consider the impact of any supplier approval on our and our franchisees' ability to obtain the lowest distribution costs and best service. However, we make no guaranty, warranty, or promise that we will obtain the best pricing or most advantageous terms on behalf of BIG BLUE Swim Schools. We also do not guaranty the performance of suppliers and distributors to BIG BLUE Swim Schools. We are not responsible or liable if the products or services provided by a supplier or distributor fail to conform to or perform in compliance with Brand Standards or our contractual terms with the supplier or distributor.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Blue Swim School's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, several factors can influence their approval of a supplier or distributor. These factors relate to the quality and reliability of the products and services provided, as well as the supplier's overall business practices. Big Blue Swim School may assess product quality and safety, require third-party lab testing, and consider prices, consistency, and warranty terms.
Supply chain reliability and integrity are also important, ensuring that the supplier can consistently deliver the necessary products. Big Blue Swim School will also look at the financial stability of the supplier, their customer relations, and the efficiency of their delivery processes, including frequency and economy. The concentration of purchases and the standards of service, including how promptly they address complaints, are also considered. Big Blue Swim School retains the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and request product samples for testing.
Big Blue Swim School also maintains the right to limit the number of approved suppliers, designate specific sources that franchisees must use, and refuse a franchisee's request for a supplier for various reasons, including if they already have an exclusive source for a particular item or service. This is to ensure the best interests of the Big Blue Swim School network. While Big Blue Swim School aims to obtain the lowest distribution costs and best service, they do not guarantee the best pricing or terms and are not liable for supplier performance issues.