How much does a BAB franchise cost?

The FDD lists a total initial investment of about $102,650–$164,217, including a $55,000 initial franchise fee.

Is a BAB franchise worth it?

It depends on the numbers, not the pitch. BAB scores B on disclosure honesty, carries about 12% of sales in ongoing fees. Get the real owner take-home before you sign.

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The real numbers on owning a BAB franchise

Water Babies (Swim Instruction Franchise) · FDD 2026 · from public state filings

BDisclosure honesty

This franchisor discloses earnings (Item 19) — but read how.

Investment

$102,650–$164,217

Total fees

12% of sales

Outlets

Closure signals

0 ceased, 0 terminated

Lawsuits

What their own earnings claim actually says

Franchisor-owned company data (2 territories, 4 pools, 2023-2025). Gross revenue $1.9M range. Average weekly customers 1,081-1,188. No cherry-picking apparent—single entity disclosed.

Failure & turnover reality (Item 20)

Zero franchised outlets; 2 company-owned only. High risk: no franchisee track record exists.

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The franchisor won't put real owner profit in writing. We do — reconstructed from their own FDD.

Franchisor's framing: Franchisor-owned company data (2 territories, 4 pools, 2023-2025). Gross revenue $1.9M range. A…

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Break-even timeline + cash-on-cash ROI on your investment
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Decoded real failure / closure rate
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BAB franchise — frequently asked

How much does a BAB franchise cost?: The FDD lists a total initial investment of about $102,650–$164,217, including a $55,000 initial franchise fee.
How much do BAB franchise owners make?: Franchisor-owned company data (2 territories, 4 pools, 2023-2025). Gross revenue $1.9M range. Average weekly customers 1,081-1,188. No cherry-picking apparent—single entity disclosed. We grade this disclosure B for honesty.
What is the BAB franchise failure rate?: Zero franchised outlets; 2 company-owned only. High risk: no franchisee track record exists.
Is a BAB franchise worth it?: It depends on the numbers, not the pitch. BAB scores B on disclosure honesty, carries about 12% of sales in ongoing fees. Get the real owner take-home before you sign.

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Source: MN CARDS 35959-202604-07 (Clean FDD 2026). FranchiseValidate is independent and not affiliated with BAB or its franchisor. Figures are extracted from the franchisor's own public disclosure document; verify against the current FDD before any decision.