What is a 'Qualified Site' for a Big Blue Swim School?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (c) You (and your Approved Affiliates) do not have the right under this DRA to reject (and therefore must accept) a proposed Swim School site the location and physical and other characteristics of which, and the proposed commercial lease terms for which, were accepted by our real-estate committee (a "Qualified Site").
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 76–278)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Blue Swim School's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a 'Qualified Site' is a proposed location for a swim school that has been accepted by the company's real estate committee. The franchisee does not have the right to reject a site that has been deemed a Qualified Site. This means that the franchisee must accept the location and the proposed commercial lease terms associated with it.
This requirement has significant implications for prospective franchisees. It means that while franchisees are responsible for locating and evaluating potential sites, Big Blue Swim School ultimately has the final say in site selection. If the real estate committee approves a site, the franchisee is obligated to accept it, even if they have reservations. This could potentially lead to franchisees operating in locations they believe are not ideal, impacting their business's success.
Big Blue Swim School also provides its then-current criteria for Big Blue Swim School sites to help in the site-selection process. These criteria include population density and other demographic characteristics, visibility, traffic flow, competition, accessibility, parking, ingress and egress, size, and other physical and commercial characteristics. Big Blue Swim School will not unreasonably withhold site acceptance if the proposed site is not inconsistent with sites that they and their affiliates regard as favorable or that otherwise have been successful sites in the past for Big Blue Swim Schools. However, Big Blue Swim School has the absolute right to reject any site not meeting their criteria or to require the franchisee to acknowledge in writing that a site they have chosen, while acceptable to them, is not recommended due to its incompatibility with certain factors bearing on a site's suitability as a location for a Big Blue Swim School.
It is important for potential franchisees to fully understand Big Blue Swim School's site selection criteria and approval process. Franchisees should engage in thorough due diligence when evaluating potential locations and carefully consider the implications of being required to accept a Qualified Site. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about investing in a Big Blue Swim School franchise.