Is the Hydrodog grand opening marketing fee refundable?

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 a non-refundable grand opening marketing fee of $5,000 per HydroDog Vehicle they intend to operate within the territory. Hydrodog will use this fee to perform the franchisee's grand opening marketing. The fee is a uniform, lump-sum payment that is fully earned and non-refundable upon payment.

Hydrodog requires franchisees to work with their approved marketing agency to complete mandatory pre-launch marketing activities. These activities include establishing a Google Business Profile, social media accounts, and initial local advertising efforts. Franchisees must also execute an approved grand opening marketing strategy that includes local digital marketing, referral incentives, and special opening week promotions. Hydrodog will work with its approved vendor to implement the Grand Opening Advertising project during the 30 days before the business opens and ending 60 days after opening.

This non-refundable policy means that even if the franchisee does not open for business or terminates the franchise agreement, the $5,000 fee per vehicle will not be returned. This is a standard practice in franchising, as these fees are typically used to cover immediate marketing expenses and set-up costs incurred by the franchisor. Prospective franchisees should factor this non-refundable fee into their initial investment calculations and be certain of their commitment before signing the franchise agreement.