Is the Big Blue Swim School training cancellation fee refundable?
Big_Blue_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Initial Franchise Fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 75–76)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Big Blue Swim School FDD, the initial franchise fee is not refundable under any circumstances. However, the document does not explicitly address the refundability of training cancellation fees. The FDD does state that if a Managing Owner, general manager, or assistant manager fails to complete Initial Training to Big Blue Swim School's satisfaction, or if retraining is necessary due to the School not operating according to Brand Standards, a retraining session may be required, for which Big Blue Swim School may charge a training fee.
While the FDD specifies that the initial franchise fee is non-refundable, it remains silent on whether any fees associated with training or retraining are refundable if the training is canceled or not completed. This distinction is important for prospective franchisees to understand, as training costs can represent a significant investment in time and money.
Therefore, a prospective Big Blue Swim School franchisee should clarify with the franchisor the specific conditions under which training fees are charged and whether any portion of those fees is refundable if the training is canceled, rescheduled, or not completed to the franchisee's satisfaction. Understanding the refund policy for training fees is crucial for managing the financial risks associated with the franchise agreement.