Can the Hydrodog Marketing Fund be used to pay for a public relations firm?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Marketing Fund may be used to pay the costs of conducting marketing surveys and research; employing a public relations firm; preparing and producing video, audio, and written marketing materials;: (1) professionally designed social media graphics, templates, and national content calendar management; (2) targeted digital advertising on
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 Marketing Fund can be used to pay for a public relations firm. Hydrodog franchisees must contribute 1% of their gross sales to the Marketing Fund, and Hydrodog retains the right to increase this contribution to 2% with a 30-day written notice. These funds are used to promote and enhance the Hydrodog system for the benefit of all franchisees. Hydrodog maintains a National Marketing Program through this fund to build brand awareness and generate leads.
Hydrodog has sole discretion over the marketing programs, including creative concepts, materials, endorsements, and media placement. The funds may be used for various marketing activities, including conducting marketing surveys and research, preparing marketing materials, managing social media, and executing digital advertising campaigns. The Marketing Fund can also cover print marketing, influencer collaborations, and special promotions tied to events.
Hydrodog also uses the Marketing Fund to administer multi-regional marketing programs, employ advertising agencies, provide marketing materials to franchisees, and hold conventions and regional meetings. The Marketing Fund will provide franchisees with approved marketing materials under the same terms as other franchisees. No more than 5% of the fund will be used for advertising that solicits franchise sales, and no more than 20% will be used for administrative items.
Franchisees receive an annual statement of monies collected and expenditures made by the Marketing Fund. Any unspent contributions are carried over to the next fiscal year. For prospective Hydrodog franchisees, this means that a portion of their sales goes towards a collective marketing effort managed by Hydrodog, which includes the potential use of a public relations firm to enhance the brand's image and reach.