Can Hydrodog require delivery of product samples from a proposed supplier for testing?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
If we require you to use an approved supplier for a particular item, but you wish to purchase the item from a supplier that we have not approved, you may submit a written request for approval of the supplier, unless it is an item for which we have designated a particular vendor as the source for the particular product or service. We will provide our standards and specifications to you or to the proposed supplier, subject to the supplier's execution of a confidentiality agreement in a form acceptable to us. We have the
right to inspect the proposed supplier's facilities and to require delivery of product samples either to us or to an independent laboratory designated by us for testing. You may be required to pay a fee, which will not exceed our reasonable costs incurred in evaluating the supplier, regardless of whether or not we approve the supplier. You may not purchase, sell, or offer for sale any products or services of the proposed supplier until you receive our written approval of the proposed supplier. We will notify you of approval or disapproval of the proposed supplier within 30 days after receiving your request and completion of evaluation and testing, if required. Our failure to respond within this timeframe shall not constitute approval of the proposed supplier. You may not sell or offer for sale any products or services of the proposed supplier until you receive our written approval.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 18–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hydrodog has specific requirements regarding suppliers. If a franchisee wishes to use a supplier that is not already approved by Hydrodog, the franchisee can submit a written request for approval, unless Hydrodog has designated a particular vendor as the sole source for that specific product or service. Hydrodog will then provide its standards and specifications to the proposed supplier, contingent upon the supplier signing a confidentiality agreement.
Hydrodog retains the right to inspect the facilities of the proposed supplier and can also demand the delivery of product samples. These samples may be sent either to Hydrodog directly or to an independent laboratory designated by Hydrodog for testing purposes. The franchisee requesting the approval may be required to cover the costs associated with evaluating the supplier, regardless of whether the supplier is ultimately approved or not.
The franchisee is prohibited from purchasing, selling, or offering any products or services from the proposed supplier until they receive written approval from Hydrodog. Hydrodog will notify the franchisee of the approval or disapproval within 30 days after receiving the request and completing the evaluation and testing, if such testing is required. It is important to note that Hydrodog's failure to respond within this 30-day timeframe does not constitute automatic approval of the proposed supplier.