From whom must a Big Blue Swim School franchisee acquire the School's accounting and bookkeeping system?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Besides the items and services described above for which we and our affiliate currently are approved or designated suppliers, you currently must acquire the School's furniture, fixtures, equipment, Computer System, point-of-sale system, accounting and bookkeeping system, business software (including background check services, credit card processing services, customer feedback software, customer review mitigation, and recruiting tracking software), worker's compensation support, payroll and employee benefits software, signage, uniforms, chemicals and other supplies,
pump, HVAC, pool systems (including the pump room and pump notifications), pool materials (including swim platforms, lane tents, teaching tools, goggles, swim diapers, and swimsuits), building-management systems, marketing (including search engine optimization, digital, print, and email), graphic design services, adaptive swim lessons, lifeguard training, and Loyalty Program Media services only from suppliers we designate or approve. No officer of ours owns any interest in any affiliated supplier to the franchise system.
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, franchisees must acquire the School's accounting and bookkeeping system from suppliers that Big Blue Swim School designates or approves. This requirement extends to various other essential components and services necessary for operating the swim school.
This means that as a franchisee, you do not have the autonomy to choose your own accounting and bookkeeping system or provider. Instead, you are restricted to selecting from a list of suppliers that Big Blue Swim School has pre-approved. This ensures that the systems used across all franchise locations meet the franchisor's standards and can integrate effectively with their overall business model.
The FDD specifies that this requirement also applies to furniture, fixtures, equipment, computer systems, point-of-sale systems, business software, worker's compensation support, payroll and employee benefits software, signage, uniforms, chemicals and other supplies, pump, HVAC, pool systems, pool materials, building-management systems, marketing services, graphic design services, adaptive swim lessons, lifeguard training, and Loyalty Program Media services. This comprehensive list highlights the extent to which Big Blue Swim School controls the supply chain and operational aspects of its franchises. While this may limit a franchisee's flexibility, it also aims to maintain consistency and quality across the brand.
It is important for prospective franchisees to carefully review the list of approved or designated suppliers and understand the terms and conditions associated with these suppliers. Franchisees should also inquire about the process for requesting approval of alternative suppliers if they find the designated options unsuitable. Understanding these restrictions and requirements is crucial for making an informed decision about investing in a Big Blue Swim School franchise.