Does Goldfish Swim School charge for the initial training program?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We do not charge for initial training. You must pay for all travel costs and living expenses for yourself and any of your attendees. These costs are estimated in ITEM 7. If you replace your Designated Manager or on-site general manager if different from the Designated Manager, your new Designated Manager or on-site general manager must attend our training program in order to properly implement our brand standards. You may be charged fees for additional training. Our current fees for additional training are described in ITEM 6. You are responsible for training your own employees and other management personnel. This initial training is in addition to the on-site opening assistance we provide to you. Your franchised swim school must at all times be under the day-to-day supervision of a Designated Manager who has satisfactorily completed our training program. After a replacement of the Designated Manager or on-site general manager if different from the Designated Manager, he or she has 60 days to complete initial training. (Section 8). You will designate a Marketing Lead who is the person responsible for all matters related to marketing, advertising, and sales at your Franchised Swim School. The Marketing Lead must attend Week 2 of the Training Program described below.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 32–42)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, Goldfish Swim School does not charge franchisees for the initial training program. This training covers material aspects of operating the franchised swim school and is designed to protect the Goldfish Swim School brand and trademarks.
However, franchisees are responsible for covering all travel and living expenses incurred by themselves and their attendees during the training. These costs are estimated in Item 7 of the FDD. The initial training program is approximately 13 days long and must be completed to Goldfish Swim School's satisfaction at least 60 days before the swim school opens.
If a Designated Manager or on-site general manager is replaced, the new manager must attend the training program. While the initial training is free, Goldfish Swim School may charge fees for additional training, as described in Item 6 of the FDD. Franchisees are also responsible for training their own employees and other management personnel.