Does the non-solicitation clause for Zoomin Groomin apply to all customers, or only those served by the franchised business during a specific period?
Zoomin_Groomin Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will not, for a period of two years after expiration or termination of this Agreement, in the Territory or within 25 miles of the boundaries of your Territory, directly or indirectly solicit the patronage of any customer served by your prior Franchised Business during the last 24 months that you were a franchisee, or such shorter time as you were a franchisee, for the purpose of offering such person or entity, for a fee or charge, pet grooming or related pet products and services.
Source: Item 9 — 01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (FDD pages 68–156)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Zoomin Groomin's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the non-solicitation clause applies to customers specifically served by the franchisee's business within a defined timeframe. After the franchise agreement expires or terminates, the franchisee is restricted from soliciting the patronage of any customer they served during the last 24 months of their operation. This restriction is in effect for two years following the end of the agreement and extends within the territory or 25 miles of its boundaries.
This means a former Zoomin Groomin franchisee cannot actively seek business from clients they previously served during the final two years of their franchise. The clause aims to protect Zoomin Groomin's customer base and prevent franchisees from leveraging their established relationships to start a competing business immediately after leaving the franchise system. The restriction applies regardless of whether the franchisee sells their franchise business to someone else.
For a prospective franchisee, this non-solicitation clause highlights the importance of building a sustainable business within the Zoomin Groomin system. While franchisees can develop strong customer relationships, they must be aware that these relationships are subject to certain restrictions if they decide to leave the franchise. Understanding the terms of this clause is crucial for planning future business endeavors after the franchise agreement ends.
It is important to note that the non-solicitation clause is limited to the territory or within 25 miles of the boundaries of the territory. This means that a former franchisee could potentially solicit customers outside of this area, provided they adhere to other non-compete restrictions outlined in the franchise agreement.