What criteria does Goldfish Swim School use for site selection evaluation?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The general site selection and evaluation criteria or factors that we consider in approving your site includes the condition of the premises, demographics of the surrounding area including population size of children under the age of 12, proximity to other Goldfish Swim Schools, proximity to competitive businesses, lease requirements, traffic patterns, visibility, vehicular and pedestrian access, proximity to major roads, available parking and overall suitability. We will provide you with written notice of our approval or disapproval of any proposed site within a reasonable time (usually 30 days) after receiving all requested information. If we cannot agree with you on a suitable site for the franchised swim school within 180 days after you sign the Franchise Agreement, we may terminate the Franchise Agreement. (Sections 5.1 and 5.2).
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, the franchisor outlines several criteria for evaluating potential sites for a new franchise. These criteria include the condition of the premises, the demographics of the surrounding area (specifically the population size of children under 12), proximity to existing Goldfish Swim Schools and competing businesses, and lease requirements. Other factors considered are traffic patterns, visibility, vehicular and pedestrian access, proximity to major roads, available parking, and the overall suitability of the site.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Goldfish Swim School has specific requirements for the location of their swim school. If a franchisee proposes a site, Goldfish Swim School will evaluate it based on these factors. If the franchisee does not have a site in mind, Goldfish Swim School will designate a geographic area and provide their general site selection criteria. The franchisee is ultimately responsible for finding a site that meets Goldfish Swim School's standards and is acceptable to them. The franchisee must also use a real estate broker approved by Goldfish Swim School.
Goldfish Swim School aims to provide written notice of approval or disapproval of a proposed site within 30 days of receiving all necessary information. However, there is a contingency: if a suitable site cannot be agreed upon within 180 days after signing the Franchise Agreement, Goldfish Swim School reserves the right to terminate the agreement. This clause highlights the importance of site selection in the franchising process and the potential risk if a suitable location cannot be found in a timely manner.
This level of detail in site selection criteria is fairly typical in the franchise industry, as location is a critical factor for many businesses. Goldfish Swim School's criteria ensure that new franchise locations are positioned for success by considering factors like demographics, competition, and accessibility. Franchisees should carefully consider these criteria and work closely with Goldfish Swim School and approved real estate brokers to identify a suitable site.