Is a Zoomin Groomin franchisee obligated to use the vehicle upfitters with whom Zoomin Groomin has negotiated a purchase agreement?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We currently have a negotiated purchase arrangement with an approved CRM supplier, which includes discounted pricing terms for the benefit of our franchisees. We have also negotiated a purchase agreement with certain vehicle upfitters, which includes discounted pricing terms for the benefit of our franchisees. Further, we reserve the right in the future to negotiate other purchase arrangements with suppliers, including preferred pricing arrangements, for the benefit of our franchisees.
Vehicle. You must purchase a mobile pet grooming vehicle (the “Vehicle”) according to our specifications and from an approved vendor**.** However, you are responsible for investigating and ensuring compliance with your state's Osha requirements as they relate to your Vehicle.
If you wish to propose another supplier, you must do so in writing. We will review the supplier to determine whether to consider adding the supplier to our list of approved vendors. We reserve the right to approve or revoke approval of any supplier. We will notify you within 30 days if we approve or disapprove of an alternative supplier. If we have not responded within 30 days, then the request is deemed approved if the alternative supplier meets the requirements as specified in the Manual. If we revoke approval for a supplier, we will provide written notice to you.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 20–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase a mobile pet grooming vehicle that meets Zoomin Groomin's specifications from an approved vendor. Zoomin Groomin has negotiated purchase agreements with certain vehicle upfitters, which include discounted pricing terms for the benefit of franchisees.
While Zoomin Groomin has negotiated these agreements, franchisees are not necessarily obligated to use those specific upfitters. The FDD states that if a franchisee wishes to propose another supplier, they must do so in writing, and Zoomin Groomin reserves the right to approve or revoke approval of any supplier. Zoomin Groomin will notify the franchisee within 30 days if they approve or disapprove of an alternative supplier. If Zoomin Groomin does not respond within 30 days, the request is deemed approved if the alternative supplier meets the requirements as specified in the Manual.
This means that while Zoomin Groomin has preferred vendors, franchisees have the option to seek approval for alternative suppliers, providing flexibility in their purchasing decisions. However, franchisees must ensure that any alternative supplier meets the specifications outlined in the Zoomin Groomin Operations Manual to gain approval. If Zoomin Groomin revokes approval for a supplier, they will provide written notice to the franchisee.