What is the average amount spent on payroll and related expenses for a Goldfish Swim School location?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchised Swim Schools may not be typical for those in your area.
Table 1
| REVENUE | Average | Revenues # Surpassing % Surpassing Low | 1st Quartile | Median | 3rd Quartile | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWIM LESSONS | 2,050,837 | 95.5% 65 41.9% 270,919 | 1 ,381,954 | 1 ,851,920 | 2 ,522,329 | 6 ,072,092 |
| OTHER (1) | 96,267 | 4.5% 71 45.8% 1 0,073 | 6 3,910 | 9 2,979 | 119,262 | 284,331 |
| TOTAL REVENUE | 2,147,104 | 100.0% 67 43.2% 280,992 | 1 ,479,757 | 1 ,979,745 | 2 ,629,994 | 6 ,245,914 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||
| PAYROLL AND RELATED EXPENSES (2) | 734,110 | 34.2% 63 40.6% 254,358 | 543,029 | 681,134 | 901,574 | 1 ,628,682 |
| SUPPLIES (3) | 59,201 | 2.8% 67 43.2% 9,732 | 3 6,170 | 5 2,101 | 8 2,648 | 135,086 |
| MERCHANT FEES | 53,008 | 2.5% 71 45.8% 7,224 | 3 6,014 | 5 0,121 | 6 4,647 | 164,050 |
| REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE | 70,276 | 3.3% 70 45.2% 1 0,491 | 4 0,347 | 6 6,664 | 9 1,216 | 236,599 |
| INSURANCE (4) | 37,115 | 1.7% 56 36.1% 9,296 | 2 0,424 | 3 1,283 | 4 4,236 | 215,057 |
| RENT AND OCCUPANCY COSTS (5) | 213,274 | 9.9% 56 36.1% 4 8,435 | 143,478 | 187,757 | 249,318 | 1 ,240,067 |
| UTILITIES 6) | 65,292 | 3.0% 66 42.6% 1 5,675 | 4 9,126 | 6 0,301 | 7 6,758 | 168,508 |
| ROYALTIES | 128,826 | 6.0% 67 43.2% 1 6,860 | 8 8,785 | 118,785 | 157,800 | 374,755 |
Source: Item 19 — FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPRESENTATIONS (FDD pages 65–68)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Goldfish Swim School's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the average payroll and related expenses vary based on the performance data of different groups of franchisees. For the 155 franchised swim schools open for at least 12 months as of December 31, 2024, the average payroll and related expenses were $659,144. For the 19 franchised swim schools open for their first full calendar year (between 12 and 24 months) as of the same date, the average payroll and related expenses were $734,110. It is important to note that these figures do not include the owner's compensation, covering only hourly and management labor, as well as payroll taxes.
These figures represent a significant operating expense for Goldfish Swim School franchisees. The FDD provides a range of payroll expenses, with the 25th percentile (1st quartile) for the 155 schools at $319,270 and the median at $459,472, while the 25th percentile for the 19 schools is $543,029. This indicates a wide variation in payroll costs, likely influenced by factors such as location, staffing levels, and local wage rates. The highest range for payroll and related expenses among the 155 schools reached $1,103,510, while for the 19 schools, it was $1,628,682, further emphasizing the potential variability.
A prospective franchisee should carefully consider these payroll figures when developing their business plan and financial projections. Understanding the factors that drive payroll expenses, such as the number of employees needed to operate the swim school effectively and the prevailing wage rates in their specific market, is crucial. Additionally, franchisees should be aware that these figures are averages and that their actual expenses may differ. Goldfish Swim School notes that the market where a school is located may be markedly different, and the average results achieved by reporting franchised swim schools may not be typical for those in a new franchisee's area.
It is also important to note that the financial performance representation is based on unaudited data provided by franchisees. While Goldfish Swim School believes the information to be reliable, prospective franchisees are advised that no certified public accountant has audited these figures. The FDD states that written substantiation of all financial information will be made available upon reasonable request, which a prospective franchisee should consider pursuing to gain further clarity and validation of these figures.