After selecting a site for the Goldfish Swim School, what is the franchisee required to do?
Goldfish_Swim_School Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.4.2 obtain all zoning classifications and clearances which may be required by state and local laws, ordinances or regulations, and submit to Franchisor, for Franchisor's approval, final plans for construction based upon the preliminary plans and specifications;
- 5.4.3 ensure or employ an Approved Supplier (the Franchisee's Project Manager or Owner's Representative) to ensure that the location is suitable for the operation of a Goldfish Swim School, including, without limitation, proper ceiling heights, composition of the structure, size, composition and location of water lines, size and location of sewer lines, location and capacity of electrical service, location and size of gas service, fire suppression requirements, and soil conditions necessary for the construction of a pool and submit to Franchisor a completed site submission checklist in the form provided by Franchisor;
- 5.4.4 obtain all building, utility, sign, health, and business permits and licenses, and any other permits and licenses required for the build-out and operation of the Franchised Swim School and certify in writing and provide evidence to Franchisor that all such permits have been obtained within fifteen (15) days following receipt of any such permits or licenses;
- 5.4.5 employ at Franchisee's sole cost and expenses the services of an Approved Supplier project manager/owner's representative to assist you in the development and construction of your Franchised Swim School and comply with all Franchisor requirements related to the following, without limitation: list of all construction vendors or contractors in contact list format with all names and contact information; construction budget; construction schedule and timeline to be submitted at the start of construction; and buyout dates;
- 5.4.6 employ a qualified, licensed, and insured general contractor approved by Franchisor to complete construction of all required improvements to the Approved Location and require that the general contractor and all other construction vendors comply with the approved plans and specifications, and conduct all construction activities in a first in class manner and follow first class working guidelines related to site conditions during construction;
- 5.4.7 purchase all supplies and inventory necessary for the operation of the Franchised Swim School consistent with the Confidential Brand Standards Manual;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 77–389)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Goldfish Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document, after a franchisee selects a site, they must submit information to Goldfish Swim School for evaluation. Goldfish Swim School then notifies the franchisee of preliminary acceptance or non-acceptance, typically within 15 days of receiving the notice. If preliminary acceptance is granted, the franchisee can submit an offer to purchase or lease the location, but not before preliminary acceptance. Goldfish Swim School can request additional materials or information about the proposed location, which the franchisee must provide immediately.
Within 30 days of preliminary site acceptance and receipt of any additional materials, Goldfish Swim School will provide final acceptance or rejection. If accepted, the site becomes the Approved Location. If rejected, the franchisee must continue selecting and notifying Goldfish Swim School of new sites until one is approved. The franchisee must ensure the proposed site meets Goldfish Swim School's standards and specifications, including demographic criteria, proximity to other locations, parking availability, ceiling heights, water and sewer line specifications, electrical service, gas service, fire suppression requirements, and soil conditions for pool construction.
The franchisee is responsible for obtaining all necessary zoning classifications and clearances required by state and local laws. They must submit final construction plans to Goldfish Swim School for approval, based on preliminary plans and specifications. The franchisee must also employ an Approved Supplier to ensure the location is suitable for a Goldfish Swim School, verifying factors like ceiling heights, structure composition, water and sewer lines, electrical and gas service, fire suppression, and soil conditions. A completed site submission checklist provided by Goldfish Swim School must be submitted. Furthermore, the franchisee needs to obtain all required building, utility, sign, health, and business permits and licenses, providing written certification and evidence of these permits to Goldfish Swim School within 15 days of receipt.
Additionally, the franchisee must employ an Approved Supplier project manager/owner's representative to assist with the development and construction, complying with all Goldfish Swim School requirements related to construction vendors, budget, schedule, and buyout dates. A qualified, licensed, and insured general contractor approved by Goldfish Swim School must be hired to complete the construction, adhering to approved plans and specifications. The franchisee is also responsible for purchasing all necessary supplies and inventory for the swim school's operation, consistent with the Confidential Brand Standards Manual. Finally, the franchisee must pay all amounts due to Goldfish Swim School, ensure the Control Person and Designated Manager are present at the opening for a period designated by Goldfish Swim School, and complete a certification, in a format approved by Goldfish Swim School, that all requirements to open the franchise have been met.