Is it mandatory to purchase a vehicle to operate a Zoomin Groomin franchise?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 20–27)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, operating a franchise requires a vehicle that meets specific standards. The FDD states, "Your Franchised Business will be operated out of a Vehicle." Franchisees must either purchase or lease a vehicle that aligns with Zoomin Groomin's specifications for a mobile pet grooming business. The estimated initial investment for the vehicle, including necessary upfitting, ranges from $9,274 to $130,000. The lower end of this estimate assumes the franchisee will lease the vehicle, while the higher end assumes a purchase.
The FDD specifies that the vehicle must be upfitted to meet Zoomin Groomin's standards, including interior modifications for pet grooming equipment and a Zoomin Groomin vinyl wrap. This upfitting must be done by a professional vendor approved by Zoomin Groomin. The cost of upfitting varies based on the chosen layout, options, and vendor. If leasing, the down payment is estimated to be at least 10% of the total vehicle purchase price, which includes the van, upfitting, and transport costs. Zoomin Groomin may also allow franchisees to purchase a used, low-mileage vehicle in good condition, subject to approval.
Zoomin Groomin does not provide any guarantees regarding vehicle availability or financing, nor do they finance any portion of the vehicle expense. The franchisee is responsible for securing the vehicle and ensuring it meets all required specifications before beginning operations. The FDD also mentions that required purchases, including the vehicle, are estimated to be a significant portion of the initial costs, ranging from 60-80% of all purchases and leases to establish the franchise. Therefore, securing a suitable vehicle is a mandatory and significant investment for prospective Zoomin Groomin franchisees.