What is the dependency between the choice of upfitting package and the vehicle cost for a Zoomin Groomin franchise?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ed via videoconference. Your costs will vary.
Note 3: Vehicle. Your Franchised Business will be operated out of a Vehicle. You must purchase or lease at least one Vehicle that meets our specifications and is suitable for operation of a Zoomin Groomin mobile pet grooming business. The low end assumes you will lease the vehicle, and the high end assumes you will purchase the vehicle. Typically, our franchisees purchase a Ram ProMaster 3500 with a high roof and extended wheelbase or a Ford Transit Cargo Van with a high roof and extended wheelbase.
Each Vehicle must be upfitted to our specifications before you can begin operation of a Zoomin Groomin mobile pet grooming business. Upfitting includes an extensive interior modification to equip the Vehicle with certain pet grooming equipment and a Zoomin Groomin vinyl wrap. You must use a professional vendor approved by us for the upfitting. We have approved several vendors offering various interior upfitting layouts. Your price will vary based on layout, options, and vendor choice. You will also need to arrange transport between dealers, vendors, and yourself. An estimate for the cost of transportation fees are included in the high end of this total.
If you lease the Vehicle, we estimate the down payment will be at least 10% of the total Vehicle purchase price (van, upfitting, and transport) but will vary based on your credit worthiness. We have included the costs of upfitting and transport in the vehicle lease estimate because existing franchisees of ours have reported that they have financed these costs into their vehicle lease.
The low-end is based on leasing a Vehicle at MSRP with the features we require and choosing the most economical upfitting package that is approved by us. The high-end is based on purchasing a new Vehicle for full MSRP with the features we require and the highest priced upfitting package we have approved. We may also permit you to purchase a used low-mileage vehicle in good condition, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld. The price you pay may depend on market conditions. Further, taxes and delivery fees are not included with this total and will vary depending on your location. We make no guarantee regarding the availability of a suitable vehicle, financing, nor do we finance any portion of the vehicle expense.
Note 4: Tools, Inventory, and Supplies. You must purchase an initial inventory of pet grooming supplies, personal protective equipment, basic office supplies, and other operating supplies that meet our standards.
Note 5: Computer Equipment Services and Software. You must comply with our computer hardware, software, and network services specifications which we set forth in detail in our Manual. Note 6: Licenses and Permits. States and localities will set permits and license requirements, if any. You must comply with any such requirements that are established for your Territory.
Note 7: Insurance. You will be required to carry policies covering commercial general liability, auto, and workers compensation. These insurance costs vary by state and can change over time based on your risk management skill.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 20–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the cost of the vehicle is directly related to the upfitting package chosen. The FDD states that franchisees must purchase or lease a vehicle that meets Zoomin Groomin's specifications, typically a Ram ProMaster 3500 or a Ford Transit Cargo Van. This vehicle then requires an 'upfitting' which involves interior modifications with pet grooming equipment and a Zoomin Groomin vinyl wrap. The price for this upfitting will vary based on the layout, options, and the vendor selected.
The low-end initial investment estimate of $9,274 is based on leasing a vehicle at MSRP with the required features and selecting the most economical upfitting package approved by Zoomin Groomin. Conversely, the high-end estimate of $130,000 is based on purchasing a new vehicle at full MSRP with the required features and choosing the highest-priced upfitting package. This means that a franchisee who opts for a more comprehensive and elaborate upfitting package will incur a significantly higher vehicle cost.
Zoomin Groomin franchisees can finance the upfitting costs into their vehicle lease. The FDD also mentions the possibility of purchasing a used, low-mileage vehicle, subject to Zoomin Groomin's approval. Transportation costs between dealers, vendors, and the franchisee are included in the high-end estimate. Therefore, prospective franchisees should carefully consider their budget and business needs when selecting an upfitting package, as it directly impacts the overall vehicle cost and initial investment.