What must a supplier execute before HydroDog provides standards and specifications to them?
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, if a franchisee wants to use a supplier that is not already approved by HydroDog, the supplier must first execute a confidentiality agreement before HydroDog will provide its standards and specifications to them. This agreement must be in a form that is acceptable to HydroDog.
This requirement protects HydroDog's system standards and proprietary information. By having potential suppliers sign a confidentiality agreement, HydroDog ensures that its operational methods, specifications, and other sensitive details are not disclosed to unauthorized parties. This is a common practice in franchising to maintain consistency and protect the brand's competitive advantage.
Additionally, HydroDog retains the right to inspect the supplier's facilities and request product samples for testing, either directly or through an independent laboratory. The franchisee may have to cover the costs associated with evaluating the supplier, regardless of whether the supplier is ultimately approved. The franchisee cannot purchase or sell 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 required. Failure to respond within this timeframe does not constitute approval.