From whom must a Big Blue Swim School franchisee acquire the School's Computer 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.
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 Computer System from suppliers that Big Blue Swim School designates or approves. These designated or approved suppliers may include Big Blue Swim School itself, its affiliates, or other restricted sources.
This means that a franchisee does not have the freedom to choose their own computer system vendor. Instead, they must select from a list of suppliers that Big Blue Swim School has pre-approved. This ensures that all Big Blue Swim School locations use compatible systems that meet the franchisor's standards. The computer system is included under the umbrella of "Operating Assets".
Big Blue Swim School maintains the right to modify the list of approved suppliers and can designate exclusive sources for particular items or services, potentially including the Computer System. This gives Big Blue Swim School significant control over the supply chain and ensures consistency across all franchise locations. While this may limit a franchisee's options, it also aims to streamline operations and maintain brand standards.
Prospective franchisees should be aware of these restrictions and factor them into their business planning. It is important to understand the potential costs associated with purchasing the Computer System from approved suppliers and to evaluate the impact of these restrictions on the overall profitability of the franchise.