Licensee path · FAQ
Common questions, real answers.
- Is this a franchise?
- Legally it's a licensing arrangement, not a franchise — meaning you operate independently under license to use the Bucks brand and methodology. It is heavier than a typical license (territory exclusivity, brand audits, QBRs) but lighter than a franchise (no royalty on revenue, no franchise disclosure document obligations beyond what licensing requires).
- Can I keep operating my own brand alongside Bucks?
- No. Once you sign a License Agreement, that legal entity operates exclusively under the Bucks brand. If you currently run a non-Bucks dog training business, you either fold it into the Bucks tenant or sell/close it before signing. White-label is the alternative if you want to keep your brand.
- How much capital do I need?
- For L1: tuition is $25,000 (installments OK), monthly licensing fee $3,000, plus your own location, payroll, and operating runway. The financial disclosure step checks that you can cover the start: $35,000 in liquid assets and a 680 credit score. We do not screen on net worth — what you have already accumulated says nothing about whether you can run a location. Meeting the floor starts the conversation; it does not guarantee approval. How much runway you need beyond that depends on your market, your lease, and how fast you hire; we go through it with you before anyone signs.
- What if I fail my brand audit?
- Findings have severity tiers. Minor findings get a 30-day remediation window. Repeated minor findings or any major finding triggers a coaching block and a 60-day remediation. Persistent or critical findings can lead to a tier downgrade or, in worst case, License Agreement termination per §9 of the agreement.
- Do I have to use balanced training?
- Yes. Methodology adherence is non-negotiable and brand-audited quarterly. If you operate purely positive or fundamentally disagree with ecollar use, this is not the right partnership.
- Can I sell my licensee business?
- License Agreements include a transfer-of-control clause. You can sell your operation, but the buyer must go through the standard licensee vetting process. We can't transfer the license to someone we haven't vetted.
- What happens if I terminate?
- Per §9.x of the License Agreement: brand assets revert (phone numbers, Google Business, social, domain, email). Client list stays with you. Employee non-compete is per state law. ACH continues for any unpaid balance per the original schedule.
- How long does the application process really take?
- Realistic range is 3-6 months from application submitted to agreement signed. Faster if your territory is uncontested and the assessments go smoothly. Slower if we need to defer, request additional information, or coordinate around your existing business obligations.
- What if my territory becomes available later?
- Applications can be DEFERRED with a target territory. We notify you within 30 days of that territory opening up. You don't lose your application progress.
- Do I get exclusivity for life?
- Territory exclusivity is for the duration of an active License Agreement in good standing. Termination, failure to maintain tier minimums, or sustained scorecard underperformance can lead to territory reclamation.