Is Goldfish Swim School required to charge a fee for mandatory ongoing training?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
complete, to the Franchisor's satisfaction, a training program pertaining to the operation and administration of the Franchised Swim School including but not limited to, sales and marketing methods, financial controls, maintenance of quality standards, customer service techniques, record keeping, reporting procedure, and other operational function. The initial training may include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), First Aid, AED (automated external defibrillator) and may provide a lifeguarding certification for shallow water pools but does not include other certifications required by Franchisor (such as certified pool operations certifications, required for all of your management staff) and as required by applicable law prior to Franchisee's operation of the Franchised Swim School. If the above referenced certifications are not provided during initial training, Franchisee must obtain such certifications prior to the opening of the Franchised Swim School. Franchisor shall conduct the initial training program at its headquarters or at other designated locations. Franchisor shall not charge tuition or similar fees for initial training, however, all expenses incurred by Franchisee in attending such program including, but not limited to, travel costs, room and board expenses and employees' salaries, shall be the sole responsibility of Franchisee. If Franchisee believes that Franchisor has not met its training obligations set forth above, Franchisee must notify Franchisor within fifteen (15) days following its initial training. If Franchisee fails to deliver notice to Franchisor as provided in this section, Franchisee shall be deemed to have acknowledged that all initial training required to be provided by Franchisor was provided. Franchisee shall be responsible for training its management and other employees. Franchisor may require all owners of Franchisee to attend some or all of the initial training.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 77–389)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School FDD, franchisees are not charged tuition or similar fees for the initial training program. However, franchisees are responsible for all expenses incurred while attending the training, including travel, room and board, and employee salaries. The initial training covers the operation and administration of the franchised swim school, including sales and marketing methods, financial controls, quality standards, customer service, record keeping, and reporting procedures.
While the FDD states that initial training is provided without tuition, it does not explicitly address whether Goldfish Swim School charges fees for any mandatory ongoing training programs that may be required after the initial training. The FDD mentions that Goldfish Swim School will provide general advice and guidance to the franchisee, designated manager, or control person via telephone, e-mail, newsletters, and other methods with respect to planning, opening, and operating the franchised swim school, and that they will not charge for this service unless the franchisee is deemed to be utilizing the service too frequently or in an unintended manner.
Prospective franchisees should clarify with Goldfish Swim School whether there are any mandatory ongoing training programs and if so, whether there are any associated costs. Understanding the full scope of required training and associated expenses is crucial for accurate financial planning.