What is the dependency for a Hydrodog franchisee to contact a vendor or supplier?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
val of types, models, brands, manufacturers, distributors, service providers or suppliers and obligations which approved manufacturers, distributors, service providers or suppliers must assume. Under no circumstances are Franchisees permitted to offer for sale any item or order inventory from any suppliers or vendors that have not been expressly authorized by us. We reserve the sole right, in our Business Judgment, to decide if any supplier, vendor or item is authorized and reserve the right to disapprove or refuse to approve any supplier, vendor or item. Under no circumstances may you offer for sale any products or perform any services that we have not previously authorized. Selling unauthorized products or ordering from unauthorized vendors is grounds for default and/or termination of this Agreement.
- (d) Preferred Vendor Programs: We reserve the right to develop, modify, and terminate certain programs and terms under which we, our affiliates or the HydroDog Businesses receive certain negotiated benefits or terms from Approved Suppliers ("Preferred Vendor Programs"). You must follow all of our policies and procedures which we designate from time-to-time for participation in or termination of Preferred Vendor Programs ("Program Rules"). We can refuse or terminate your participation in Preferred Vendor Programs without terminating this Agreement. We may designate one or more Approved Suppliers ("Preferred Vendors") as an exclusive supplier of types, models or brands of business materials, supplies, operating assets, consumer goods, fixtures or materials and business services that we approve for the HydroDog Businesses.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's ability to contact or use a vendor or supplier is highly dependent on Hydrodog's approval. Franchisees are generally required to purchase materials and inventory only from Hydrodog's list of Approved Suppliers. Purchasing from non-approved suppliers can lead to default or termination of the franchise agreement. Hydrodog reserves the right to modify the list of approved suppliers.
If a Hydrodog franchisee wishes to use a supplier not currently approved by Hydrodog, the franchisee must notify Hydrodog in writing and submit all requested information about the potential supplier. Hydrodog then has a reasonable time, not exceeding 30 calendar days, to determine if the supplier meets Hydrodog's criteria for approval. Hydrodog maintains sole discretion to decide if a supplier or vendor is authorized.
Hydrodog may also establish Preferred Vendor Programs, where designated suppliers offer negotiated benefits or terms. Franchisees are obligated to follow Hydrodog's policies and procedures for these programs. Hydrodog can designate exclusive suppliers for certain business materials and services, and may receive compensation from these suppliers. Franchisees may be required to enter into agreements with Preferred Vendors, subject to Hydrodog's approval. Furthermore, Hydrodog requires franchisees to use their approved supplier for scheduling all grooming appointments and pay the then-current monthly Scheduling Fee.