Can Zoomin Groomin modify the provisions of the Manual without the franchisee's consent?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must offer, sell, and perform only the products and services we have authorized (the "Approved Products and Services"). The Approved Products and Services may change from time to time during the Term of this Agreement or any Renewal to adjust for competitive changes, technological advancements, legal requirements, or continuous improvement. Any adjustment to the Approved Products and Services will be made in our sole judgment and disseminated through our Manual. Adjustments may be optional or may be required. We will provide you with reasonable notice before requiring you to offer new products and services. You may not offer or sell any products or perform any services that we have not approved.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Zoomin Groomin FDD, Zoomin Groomin has the authority to make adjustments to the products and services franchisees are authorized to offer. These adjustments can be made to adapt to competitive changes, technological advancements, legal requirements, or for continuous improvement. Zoomin Groomin will communicate these changes through their Manual, and these adjustments may be either optional or mandatory for the franchisee. Zoomin Groomin states they will provide reasonable notice before requiring franchisees to offer new products and services. Franchisees are prohibited from offering or selling any products or services that have not been approved by Zoomin Groomin.
This means that Zoomin Groomin franchisees must adhere to the products and services outlined in the Manual and any subsequent adjustments made by Zoomin Groomin. While franchisees will receive notice of required changes, they do not have the power to prevent Zoomin Groomin from modifying the Manual.
In the franchise industry, it is common for franchisors to update their manuals to maintain brand standards and competitiveness. However, franchisees should carefully consider the potential impact of required changes on their business and profitability. Franchisees should seek clarification during their due diligence about the frequency and types of changes that have occurred in the past, and how Zoomin Groomin handles the costs associated with implementing these changes.