Is the grand opening marketing fee for a Hydrodog franchise refundable?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Pre-Launch and Grand Opening Marketing Requirements
When you sign your franchise agreement, you must pay to us a non-refundable grand opening marketing fee of $5,000 per HydroDog Vehicle you intend to operate within the Territory. You will be required to work with our approved marketing agency to complete mandatory pre-launch marketing activities, including establishing your Google Business Profile, social media accounts, and initial local advertising efforts. Additionally, you must execute an approved grand opening marketing strategy that includes local digital marketing, referral incentives, and special opening week promotions. We will work with our approved vendor to implement your Grand Opening Advertising project during the 30-days before you open for business and ending 60-days after
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the grand opening marketing fee is not refundable. When signing the franchise agreement, the franchisee must pay Hydrodog a non-refundable grand opening marketing fee of $5,000 for each HydroDog Vehicle they plan to operate within their territory.
Hydrodog requires franchisees to collaborate with their approved marketing agency to carry out mandatory pre-launch marketing activities. These activities include setting up a Google Business Profile, establishing social media accounts, and initiating local advertising efforts.
Furthermore, franchisees are obligated to implement an approved grand opening marketing strategy. This strategy should encompass local digital marketing, referral incentives, and special promotions during the opening week. Hydrodog will work with its approved vendor to execute the Grand Opening Advertising project, which spans the 30 days leading up to the business's opening and extends for 60 days after the opening.