Can a Zoomin Groomin franchisee use any vendor for the vehicle upfitting?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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 use a Zoomin Groomin-approved vendor for the vehicle upfitting. The FDD specifies that each vehicle must be upfitted to Zoomin Groomin's specifications before operations can begin, including interior modifications and a Zoomin Groomin vinyl wrap. While franchisees must use an approved vendor, Zoomin Groomin has approved several vendors offering various interior upfitting layouts, allowing for some choice.
The cost of upfitting will vary based on the layout, options, and vendor choice. Franchisees are also responsible for arranging transportation between dealers, vendors, and themselves, with transportation costs included in the higher end of the estimated initial investment. The FDD also states that Zoomin Groomin has negotiated a purchase agreement with certain vehicle upfitters, which includes discounted pricing terms for the benefit of their franchisees.
If a franchisee wishes to use an alternative vendor, they must submit a written proposal to Zoomin Groomin. Zoomin Groomin reserves the right to approve or revoke approval of any supplier. Zoomin Groomin will notify the franchisee within 30 days whether the proposed supplier is approved or disapproved. If Zoomin Groomin does not respond within 30 days, the request is deemed approved if the alternative supplier meets the requirements specified in the Operations Manual. If approval for a supplier is revoked, Zoomin Groomin will provide written notice.