BlueFrog Plumbing Drain
BlueFrog Plumbing Drain offers franchises in plumbing services, drain cleaning, water leak detection, and related products. Known for comprehensive home service solutions, it operates in the residential and commercial plumbing industry.
BlueFrog Plumbing Drain franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a standard franchise ranges from $144,498 to $345,648. This includes $63,299 to $72,549 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee ("Franchise Fee") ranges from $59,900 to $67,400 for a standard franchise, and from $22,500 to $30,000 for a conversion franchise. This amount is based on the population in your Market Territory, with an additional fee of $0.15 per person over 450,000 [p.12]. The Franchise Fee is deemed fully earned upon execution of the Agreement and is non-refundable under any circumstances [p.66].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The franchisee must pay a monthly royalty fee, which is calculated based on the franchise monthly dues and annual fees over the term of the franchise agreement [p.154, p.169]. Additionally, there are monthly contributions to national advertising funds that are recognized in income when earned [p.154, p.169].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts do not detail the length of the initial franchise agreement or the terms of renewal.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, a provision permits the franchisor to refuse to permit a transfer of ownership of the franchise, except for good cause. Good cause includes but is not limited to unspecified factors [p.5]. This means you cannot freely sell or transfer your franchise without the franchisor's approval, and they can deny such requests based on their discretion [p.5].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if there is good cause, which includes your failure to comply with any lawful provision of the Franchise Agreement and not curing such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity (no more than 30 days) to do so [p.5]. Additionally, the franchisor may terminate the Brand Fund or reduce/suspend its operations without directly terminating the franchise agreement on their own initiative with 30 days' prior written notice [p.79, p.30].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
The franchisor requires that if its most recent financial statements are unaudited and show a net worth of less than $100,000, it must escrow initial investment and other funds until obligations for real estate, improvements, equipment, inventory, training, or other items included in the franchise offering are fulfilled. This requirement can be met by providing an escrow agreement or a surety bond at the franchisor's option [p.6]. The financial requirements do not specify exact net worth or liquid capital amounts beyond this condition for the franchisor’s financial statements [p.6].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by the company, or competitive brands controlled by them [p.35]. However, during the term of the agreement, the franchisor agrees not to establish a BlueFrog Business in your Market Territory if you comply with all agreements [p.66]. This isn't specified in the excerpts as territorial protection, but it is the sole territorial protection provided.
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor may require the franchisee to attend various training courses, trade shows, ongoing education programs, and webinars at designated times and locations [p.76]. Additionally, they may require Key Personnel to attend periodic meetings of franchise owners or managers, though these are held at the discretion of the franchisor [p.34]. The franchisor also reserves the right to charge meeting or conference fees up to $1,000 per attendee [p.34].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
The FDD does not provide the total number of franchised outlets. However, it states that 6 franchised territories were terminated and/or ceased operations during 2025, with none having been operating for less than 12 months as of the date of termination or closure [p.47].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor can provide actual records of an existing outlet you are considering buying and may supplement the information given in Item 19 with additional details about possible performance at a particular location or under specific circumstances. However, other than this, no representations are made regarding future financial performance or past performance of company-owned or franchised outlets [p.47, p.48].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to sell only the services, products, supplies, equipment, and other items designated by the franchisor. You cannot offer any other products or services without express approval [p.83]. Additionally, you may have to purchase certain items from suppliers designated by the franchisor, which might be more expensive than others [p.3]. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding where you must buy supplies specifically.