Window film & franchise terms.

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9

9H hardness (rating)

A widely-cited pencil hardness scale used to market premium ceramic coatings. "9H" indicates the cured coating resists scratching from a 9H-grade pencil tip. Useful as a relative durability indicator but not an industry-standardized metric — actual coating performance depends on chemistry, layer count, and prep quality. Ceramic coating for Polar Tint shops is sourced through affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing (FDD Item 7, Note 6); durability depends on the product and the prep, and customer warranties at a Polar Tint shop follow Polar Tint's warranty program (Franchise Agreement §7.26).

A

AEO

Answer Engine Optimization. Structuring content so it surfaces in AI search answers (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews). Polar Tint's insights articles open with TL;DR answer blocks for AEO.

Auto window tint

The application of solar control window film to vehicle windows. Window tint is the core automotive service in a Polar Tint shop, usually a same-day install.

Average ticket

The dollar value of the average customer transaction. Multi-service shops can offer bundle pricing across services.

Area developer

A franchising term, usually for a buyer who signs an area development agreement to open a set number of units in a defined area on a schedule; some systems also use it for a regional partner who sells or supports franchises. The Polar Tint version is the Multi-Unit Development Agreement (FDD Exhibit E): a development schedule for a defined Development Area, a separate franchise agreement for each shop, and no right to sub-franchise or sell franchises to others.

B

Brand fund

A marketing fund that franchisees contribute to and the franchisor administers. Polar Tint's is the Brand Marketing Fund: franchisees pay a Brand Marketing Fund Contribution based on Gross Sales (FDD Item 6). Polar Tint may use the fund, at its discretion, for consumer advertising on a national and/or regional level, does not guarantee that any franchisee benefits directly or in proportion to its contribution, and is not required to spend it in any franchisee's territory (FDD Item 11).

Bay-hour productivity

Gross sales generated per service bay per labor hour. A common productivity measure for tint and protection-film shops; what is achievable varies with service mix and market.

Business Opportunity Exemption Notice

A filing some non-registration states require for franchisors to legally award franchises in that state. Lighter-weight than full FDD registration. Polar Tint files these notices in the applicable states; details per state are listed on each /territory/{state}/ page.

Buffing

The machine-polishing step before ceramic coating application that levels paint imperfections (swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation). Time per vehicle depends on paint condition and on whether a one-step or multi-step correction is needed.

C

Ceramic coating

A liquid coating applied over vehicle paint that bonds to the clear coat and adds hydrophobic and UV protection and easier maintenance; how long it lasts depends on the product and on how the vehicle is cared for. Ceramic coating is one of the six service lines a Polar Tint shop offers, alongside PPF and window film.

COGS

Cost of Goods Sold. The cost of the film, ceramic, PPF, and other materials a Polar Tint shop sells to customers.

Commercial window film

Window film for office buildings, hotels, retail, and similar large-property installations. Different SKUs and install techniques vs auto / residential. A project-based, business-to-business line with longer sales cycles than vehicle work.

Conversion fee

A reduced initial franchise fee for the current owner of an auto tint shop, if Polar Tint grants the right to convert that shop to a Polar Tint franchise (FDD Item 5; Franchise Agreement §5.1). Polar Tint's 2026 FDD discloses the reduced fee, a substantial discount off the standard new-unit franchise fee.

Ceramic-IR film

Premium automotive window film containing ceramic particles that reject infrared (heat) radiation while maintaining high visible-light transmission. Higher TSER than dyed or metalized films and no signal interference.

Customer acquisition cost (CAC)

The marketing dollars spent per new customer acquired, usually measured by channel and by month.

Customer lifetime value (LTV)

The total revenue a business can expect from a single customer across repeat visits over the relationship. For a tint shop, repeat visits can span tint, ceramic, PPF, and wrap services.

Cure time

The hours/days needed for ceramic coating to fully harden after application. Cure time depends on the coating product, temperature, and humidity; the manufacturer's instructions set the timing, including how long to keep the vehicle out of rain. Polar Tint shops coordinate appointment timing around cure windows.

Conversion franchisee

A franchise prospect who already owns an independent auto tint shop and, if Polar Tint grants the right to convert it, converts the business to the Polar Tint system at a reduced initial franchise fee (FDD Item 5; Franchise Agreement §5.1). Any build-out savings depend on the facilities and existing build-out of the approved location (FDD Item 7, Note 12).

Co-op advertising

Advertising funded jointly by franchisees in a local or regional market, usually through an advertising cooperative. Polar Tint may establish local or regional advertising cooperatives; the FDD reports that none currently exist (FDD Items 6 and 11). Co-op advertising is separate from the Brand Marketing Fund.

D

Designated Territory

The Designated Territory a Polar Tint franchisee operates. Per FDD Item 12, each award is mapped around the shop and typically sized by a population-and-radius cap — the lesser of the two — so denser metros get more compact zones while suburban and rural markets get larger ones. Boundaries are mapped and written into your agreement; protection applies during the term while you are not in default, subject to the rights Polar Tint reserves.

Discovery call

The first one-on-one conversation between a prospective franchisee and Polar Tint development. A focused conversation covering the business model, available territories, financing pathways, and operating fit. Pre-FDD step — no commitment.

Discovery process

The end-to-end pre-signing evaluation: application, discovery call, FDD delivery (at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make any payment to, Polar Tint or an affiliate), a reference call with the franchisee listed in FDD Item 20 and Exhibit F, optional HQ visit. Typically several weeks elapsed time for prepared candidates.

Dyed window film

Entry-tier automotive window film that uses dye to absorb solar radiation. It is inexpensive to make, but it can fade over time and rejects less heat than ceramic film. The films a Polar Tint shop offers are set by Polar Tint's specifications, and affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing is the required window film supplier (FDD Item 8).

Dyed film

Entry-level window film technology using color-dyed polyester. It rejects less infrared heat than ceramic film, and the dye can fade over time. Which films a Polar Tint shop offers is set by Polar Tint's specifications (FDD Item 8), and each franchisee sets its own prices, subject to any maximum or minimum prices Polar Tint establishes (Franchise Agreement §7.3).

E

EBITDA

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. A common measure of operating earnings before financing costs, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Encroachment

When a franchise system awards a new territory close enough to an existing franchisee that customer traffic overlaps. Polar Tint's FDD Item 12 limits this inside your Designated Territory: while your agreement is in effect and you are not in default, Polar Tint will not open or franchise another Polar Tint location there. The protection is not exclusive. Polar Tint reserves the right to award franchises at non-traditional sites inside the territory and to place Polar Tint shops anywhere outside it. Encroachment is a frequently asked question during the discovery call.

Equity injection

The personal capital a borrower puts into a project alongside an SBA loan. The minimum is set by SBA rules as a share of the total project cost, and a lender may require more; lenders may also look for additional personal liquidity in reserve.

Exit strategy

The plan for selling, transferring, or closing the franchise at the end of its useful life or earlier. A Polar Tint franchise can be transferred only with Polar Tint's prior written consent, to an approved buyer, subject to its right of first refusal and the transfer fee (FDD Items 6 and 17), and it can be renewed at the end of a term only if you meet Polar Tint's conditions for renewal (FDD Item 17). Polar Tint makes no representation about what any franchise would sell for.

Edge sealing

The final step in window film installation: pressing the film edges down so they do not lift or peel. Customer warranties at a Polar Tint shop follow Polar Tint's warranty program, set out in the Operations Manual (Franchise Agreement §7.26).

EBITDA multiple

A valuation approach sometimes used to price small-business sales: the sale price expressed as a multiple of annual EBITDA. Polar Tint makes no representation about what any franchise would sell for or at what multiple. A Polar Tint transfer needs Polar Tint's prior written consent and is subject to its right of first refusal (FDD Item 17).

F

FDD

Franchise Disclosure Document. The 23-item legal document a franchisor must give a prospective franchisee at least 14 calendar days before the prospective franchisee signs a binding agreement with, or makes any payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate (FTC Franchise Rule). Polar Tint's 2026 FDD covers initial investment (Item 7), royalty (Item 6), term (Item 17), and financial performance (Item 19).

Franchise agreement

The legal contract between Polar Tint LLC (franchisor) and the franchisee. Defines territory, term, royalty, brand standards, training obligations, and transfer / renewal provisions. A copy of the current-form Franchise Agreement is Exhibit D of the FDD.

Franchise broker

A third-party intermediary paid by a franchisor to introduce prospective franchisees. The franchise sellers listed in Polar Tint's current FDD receipt page are its own officers, and no franchise broker is listed.

Franchise development

The Polar Tint LLC team responsible for awarding territories to qualified candidates. Runs discovery calls, delivers FDDs, supports site selection, and shepherds the franchisee through grand opening.

Franchise fee

The one-time upfront payment for the rights to operate a franchise. Polar Tint's 2026 FDD discloses the standard new-unit initial franchise fee in Item 5, a reduced fee for shop conversions, and a separate additional-unit fee under a Multi-Unit Development Agreement — all disclosed in FDD Item 5.

Franchisee

The individual or entity that signs a franchise agreement and operates a Polar Tint shop. The franchisee owns and runs its franchised business under the Polar Tint name and System (FDD Item 13); customer data the business generates is owned by Polar Tint and licensed back to the franchisee during the term (FDD Item 14).

Franchisor

The entity that grants franchise rights. Polar Tint LLC is the franchisor; Glacier Manufacturing is the affiliated manufacturer (a separate but commonly-owned entity).

Federal Franchise Rule

The FTC regulation (16 CFR Part 436) that requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document to prospects at least 14 calendar days before they sign a binding agreement with, or make a payment to, the franchisor or its affiliate. It applies in all 50 states. Polar Tint's current FDD was issued April 28, 2026, and amended June 4, 2026.

Franchise registration state

A US state that requires franchisors to register or file the FDD with the state, or qualify for an exemption, before offering franchises there: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Polar Tint's current FDD lists no effective date in any of these states (FDD Exhibit I), and each state page shows whether Polar Tint is awarding franchises there.

Franchisee Validation call

A prospective franchisee's conversation with a current or former franchisee, conducted before signing the franchise agreement. Polar Tint began franchising in 2025, and Item 20 shows one franchised outlet at the end of 2025, so a validation call is a small sample; pair it with a full FDD review with your advisors and your own local market research. Ask anyone you speak with about their relationship to Polar Tint and its principals, and weigh what you hear accordingly.

FAQPage schema

Structured data markup (schema.org) that marks up a page's question-and-answer pairs for search engines. Polar Tint emits FAQPage schema that matches the visible FAQs on its state, city, and service pages.

G

Glacier Manufacturing

Polar Tint's affiliated manufacturer. Supplies window film and PPF to Polar Tint franchisees manufacturer-direct, plus ceramic coating (supplier terms in FDD Item 8).

Gross profit margin

Gross sales minus COGS, expressed as a percentage of gross sales.

Gross sales

The total dollar value of all customer transactions before any expenses are deducted. Royalty is calculated on gross sales, not on profit.

Geo-fence advertising

Mobile/digital ad targeting that triggers within a defined geographic radius (e.g., 1 mile around the shop, 5 miles around competing tint shops). Local marketing through affiliate Frostbite Marketing may be directed to local online and digital advertising in a shop's area, and all marketing needs Polar Tint's prior written approval (FDD Item 11).

H

HELOC

Home Equity Line of Credit. A revolving line of credit secured by home equity. Some buyers look to a HELOC for the equity-injection portion of an SBA 7(a) loan; whether HELOC funds can count toward an SBA equity injection is set by SBA rules and your lender.

HowTo schema

Structured data markup that tells search engines a page describes a step-by-step process. Polar Tint emits HowTo schema on /apply, /how-to-start-a-window-tint-franchise, and a state-specific "How to start a window tint franchise in {State}" guide on each state page open for franchise development.

Heat shrinking

The technique of using a heat gun to conform window film to compound-curved glass (back windows). It is a core installer skill. Polar Tint's initial training is 65 hours (40 classroom plus 25 on-the-job, FDD Item 11) on the subjects Item 11 lists, and affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing supplies window tint and paint protection training and related training materials with the opening inventory (FDD Item 5).

I

Initial term

The first contractual period of the franchise relationship. Polar Tint's initial term is renewable (FDD Item 17). Renewal terms are available if you meet the conditions in FDD Item 17.

Item 5

The FDD section that discloses all initial fees the franchisee pays before opening. Polar Tint's Item 5: the initial franchise fee, a reduced conversion fee, an additional-unit fee, and a 25% veteran/first-responder discount — each disclosed in FDD Item 5.

Item 6

The FDD section that discloses ongoing fees. Polar Tint's Item 6: royalty (weekly), Brand Marketing Fund Contribution (weekly), monthly technology fee, and a local marketing minimum (a percentage-of-gross or a weekly floor, whichever is greater).

Item 7

The FDD section that estimates the initial investment. Polar Tint's Item 7 estimates the total initial investment for a single-unit franchise, including the initial franchise fee, three months of rent and utilities, build-out, equipment, opening inventory, grand opening marketing, training travel, and about three months of additional funds. Its notes list what the estimate excludes, such as interest and financing charges and any salary or draw for the owners.

Item 12

The FDD section that defines the Designated Territory. Polar Tint's Item 12 describes the typical Designated Territory as the lesser of a population cap and a radius around the shop. Boundaries are mapped and written into Schedule 1 of the franchise agreement. Item 12 also states that the territory is not exclusive and lists the rights Polar Tint reserves.

Item 17

The FDD section that discloses term, renewal, termination, and transfer provisions. Polar Tint's Item 17: renewable initial term, renewal options, standard franchise transfer provisions with transfer fee.

Item 19

The financial performance representation section of an FDD. Polar Tint's Item 19 financial performance representations cover the two affiliate-owned Las Vegas-area shops. The figures appear only in Item 19 of the FDD.

Item 20

The FDD section that reports outlet counts and lists current and former franchisees with contact information, usually in an exhibit. Polar Tint began franchising in 2025; its Item 20 shows one franchised outlet and two company-owned outlets at the end of 2025, and Exhibit F lists the franchisee. Prospects can contact the listed franchisee before signing.

IR rejection

Infrared heat rejection rating. The percentage of infrared (heat-carrying) energy a window film blocks. Most marketing emphasizes IR rejection because it correlates with perceived cabin heat reduction. Premium ceramic and ceramic-IR films reject substantially more IR than dyed or metalized films while keeping high visible light transmission — heat rejection without going dark.

Item 21

The FDD section that contains the franchisor's audited financial statements. Polar Tint LLC's Item 21 includes the latest fiscal-year audited financials.

Item 23

The FDD section where the franchisee signs an acknowledgment that they received the FDD and the franchise agreement. Triggers the 14-day federal review countdown.

In-territory customer

A customer who lives or works inside a franchisee's Designated Territory. Under FDD Item 12, a Polar Tint franchisee must target and direct its marketing to customers inside its Designated Territory and may not directly market or solicit business outside it without Polar Tint's prior written authorization, except in conjunction with approved advertising promotions. Royalty is calculated on Gross Sales as defined in FDD Item 6.

J

JSON-LD

JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data. The Google-preferred format for structured data markup on web pages. Polar Tint emits multiple JSON-LD schema types (Organization, Person, Article+BlogPosting, LocalBusiness, HowTo, FAQPage, QAPage, and others) across the site.

K

Knowledge Graph

Google's structured database of entities (people, places, organizations) and their relationships. Polar Tint LLC is anchored in the Knowledge Graph via Organization schema with sameAs links to the SBA Franchise Directory, IFA member directory, social profiles, and affiliate sites including Glacier Manufacturing.

L

Local marketing fund

The minimum amount a Polar Tint franchisee must spend on local marketing per Item 6 of the FDD. Set as the greater of a percentage of gross or a weekly floor, whichever is greater — disclosed in FDD Item 6. Different from the Brand Marketing Fund: the local marketing fee is paid to affiliate Frostbite Marketing for local marketing efforts within the franchisee's Designated Territory (FDD Item 6).

LOI

Letter of Intent. A non-binding indication of interest that some franchisors ask a prospect to sign during the sales process. Whatever the process, federal law requires a franchisor to give you its FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement with, or make any payment to, the franchisor or an affiliate (FTC Franchise Rule; Polar Tint FDD cover page).

Lead-to-close ratio

The percentage of inbound leads (phone, web form, walk-in) that convert to paid tickets.

Local store marketing (LSM)

Geo-targeted advertising and promotion run at the shop level rather than nationally. In the Polar Tint system, each franchisee pays a local marketing fee, set in FDD Item 6 (a percentage of Gross Sales or a weekly minimum, whichever is greater), to Frostbite Marketing, the Polar Tint affiliate that provides marketing services (FDD Item 1), which provides local marketing, advertising, and promotion for the franchisee's shop (FDD Items 6 and 11).

M

MUDA

Multi-Unit Development Agreement. The contract for committing to two or more Polar Tint territories upfront with discounted additional-unit fees. The multi-unit total investment range is disclosed in the 2026 FDD.

Manufacturer-direct

A franchise structure where the franchisor's affiliated manufacturer is also the supplier of inventory. Polar Tint LLC and Glacier Manufacturing are affiliates under common ownership — meaning Polar Tint franchisees buy window film and PPF manufacturer-direct rather than through a distributor, and source ceramic coating through Glacier as well (supplier terms in FDD Item 8).

Metalized window film

Window film containing thin metal layers (aluminum, copper) that reflect solar radiation. High heat rejection, but the metal layers can interfere with cell signal, GPS, and toll transponders; ceramic films are made without metal layers.

Monthly recurring revenue (MRR)

Monthly recurring revenue: revenue from repeat-customer, maintenance, and warranty-service work that recurs month to month, such as ceramic coating maintenance appointments.

Metallic film

Mid-tier window film using metalized layers (typically aluminum) to reflect heat. It rejects more infrared heat than dyed film, but the metal layers can interfere with GPS and cell signals. Which films a Polar Tint shop offers is set by Polar Tint's specifications (FDD Item 8).

Multi-unit operator

A franchisee who owns and operates more than one Polar Tint location. Each location needs Polar Tint's approval and its own franchise agreement, signed on its own or under a Multi-Unit Development Agreement (FDD Item 12), and FDD Item 5 discloses a reduced initial franchise fee when Polar Tint grants more than one franchise.

O

Owner-operator

A franchise operating model where the owner actively works in the business day to day rather than owning it from a distance. In the Polar Tint system, the Managing Owner is personally responsible for managing and supervising the business; Polar Tint recommends, but does not require, personal day-to-day participation, and the shop may instead be supervised on site by a trained Operations Manager (FDD Item 15). Contrast with semi-absentee ownership.

P

Personal guarantee

A legal commitment by a franchisee (or franchisee's owners) to be personally liable for franchise obligations. Polar Tint requires a personal guarantee per Item 15 of the FDD — standard practice in the franchise industry.

POS

Point of Sale system. The software and hardware that process customer transactions. Polar Tint franchisees must purchase at least one point-of-sale hardware terminal and use the point-of-sale system Polar Tint designates; the cost is disclosed in FDD Item 11.

PPF

Paint Protection Film. Self-healing thermoplastic urethane film installed over vehicle paint to protect against rock chips, road debris, and minor scratches. Polar Tint's premium-tier service line — from partial-body kits up to full-vehicle coverage.

Pre-opening costs

All costs incurred between signing the franchise agreement and grand opening, including build-out, equipment, signage, initial inventory, training travel, professional fees, and pre-launch marketing. Polar Tint's FDD Item 7 itemizes these into the total initial investment range disclosed in FDD Item 7.

Paint correction

The polishing process that removes swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation before a ceramic coating is applied.

Pattern library

A database of pre-cut PPF and tint patterns indexed by vehicle year, make, and model, loaded into the plotter so film is cut to fit without manual templating. In a Polar Tint shop, plotter software and plotter cutting software are part of the monthly technology fee package (FDD Item 6), and affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing is the required supplier of computer cut software (FDD Item 8).

Plotter

A computer-controlled cutting machine used to cut window film and PPF to vehicle-specific patterns. Plotters are part of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment estimate in FDD Item 7 (Note 5), and affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing is the required supplier of window film plotters and computer cut software (FDD Item 8).

Pattern software

Computer-aided cutting software that cuts film to vehicle-specific patterns, so installers do not have to cut on the glass. In a Polar Tint shop, plotter and cutting software are part of the monthly technology fee package (FDD Item 6), and affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing is the required supplier of computer cut software (FDD Item 8).

R

Right of First Refusal

A contractual right to match a third-party offer before a sale closes. In the Polar Tint franchise agreement, the franchisor holds a right of first refusal when a franchisee sells the business (FDD Item 17). A single-unit franchisee receives no option or right of first refusal on additional franchises (FDD Item 12); each additional unit requires its own franchise agreement, signed on its own or under a Multi-Unit Development Agreement.

Renewal

The contractual right of a franchisee to extend the franchise term at the end of the initial period. Renewal terms are available if you meet the conditions in FDD Item 17, which also discloses the renewal fee.

Royalty

A recurring percentage-of-gross fee paid to the franchisor. Polar Tint royalty is paid weekly on gross sales; the rate is disclosed in FDD Item 6.

ROBS

Rollover for Business Startups. A structure that lets buyers use eligible 401(k) or IRA retirement funds to invest in a business they will operate, including as the equity injection on an SBA loan, without an early-withdrawal penalty, when it is set up and maintained under IRS and Department of Labor rules. Guidant Financial and Benetrends are two well-known providers.

S

SBA 7(a)

The U.S. Small Business Administration's flagship loan program and a common financing path for franchise buyers. Loan terms, interest rates, equity-injection requirements, and the guaranteed share are set by SBA rules and the lender. Polar Tint is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, so qualified buyers can pursue SBA 7(a) financing.

SBA Franchise Directory

The U.S. Small Business Administration's directory of franchise brands eligible for SBA-backed financing. Polar Tint LLC is listed. A listing means the brand is eligible for lenders to consider for an SBA-backed loan — it is not an SBA approval of the franchise system and does not guarantee financing or any particular loan timeline.

Section 179

IRS tax code provision allowing immediate first-year expensing of qualifying business property up to an annual cap (indexed for inflation). Shop equipment such as plotters may qualify; confirm eligibility and the current-year cap with your CPA.

Section 197

IRS tax code provision requiring amortization of acquired intangible assets over 15 years. The Polar Tint franchise fee (or the reduced fee for conversions) is a Section 197 intangible — amortized over 15 years, not expensed in year one.

Service-area

The geographic region a Polar Tint shop primarily serves. Distinct from the Designated Territory (which is a contractual concept) — service-area is operational reality, shaped by how far customers in your market will drive.

Single-unit

A franchise commitment for one Polar Tint shop. Total initial investment range disclosed in FDD Item 7. Contrast with Multi-Unit Development Agreement (MUDA).

Speakable

A Schema.org markup type that identifies parts of a page best suited for text-to-speech reading by voice assistants that support it. Polar Tint pages mark TL;DR blocks and h1 headlines as speakable.

Supplier terms (FDD Item 8)

The approved and designated suppliers a franchisee must buy from, and any revenue the franchisor or its affiliates earn from those purchases, disclosed in FDD Item 8. Polar Tint franchisees source window film and PPF manufacturer-direct, and ceramic coating, through affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing.

Self-healing PPF

Paint protection film with a topcoat layer that returns to its original surface after minor scratches when warmed (sun or hot water). Standard on premium PPF brands (XPEL Ultimate Plus, SunTek Reaction). In a Polar Tint shop, PPF is sourced manufacturer-direct through affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing (FDD Item 7, Note 6; supplier terms in FDD Item 8), and customer warranties follow Polar Tint's warranty program (Franchise Agreement §7.26).

Slip solution

The water + soap mixture sprayed onto the glass before film application, allowing the film to slide into position before squeegeeing the water out. Composition varies by film manufacturer; PPF slip solutions are formulated differently from automotive tint solutions.

Single-bay shop

A shop that operates from one service bay, typically run by an owner-operator with one or two installers.

SBA 504

An SBA loan program designed for fixed assets such as real estate and large equipment, and an option for franchisees buying the building rather than leasing. Loan limits and terms are set by SBA rules and the lender.

SBA Express

A smaller-dollar SBA 7(a) loan option with reduced documentation and a shorter SBA review; the lender still makes the credit decision. Useful for working capital top-ups or equipment additions after initial opening.

Speakable specification

A schema.org markup type that identifies parts of a page best suited for text-to-speech reading by voice assistants that support it. Polar Tint pages mark hero headlines, answer-box copy, and FAQ questions as speakable.

Squeegee

The hand-held tool installers use to remove water and air bubbles from window film during application. Application tools for a Polar Tint shop come from affiliated manufacturer Glacier Manufacturing (FDD Item 8). Installer technique on the squeegee separates pro installs from amateur work.

T

Technology fee

A recurring monthly fee for the franchisor's designated technology package. Polar Tint's covers the local website, marketing web portal, Google Workspace, accounting, and plotter software; the point-of-sale system is purchased separately (FDD Item 11).

Three-service stack

The Polar Tint operating model of running window film, ceramic coating, and paint protection film services from the same shop, same crew, same equipment baseline.

Trade area

The geographic area from which a Polar Tint shop draws most of its customers. Its size depends on local drive times and customer behavior. The trade area is distinct from the Designated Territory — trade area is operational drive-time reality, while the Designated Territory is the contractual Designated Territory written into your agreement.

Trademark license

The right to use Polar Tint trademarks (name, logo, brand assets) granted to franchisees as part of the franchise agreement. Limited to the term and territory of the agreement. Discussed in FDD Item 13.

Transfer fee

The fee a franchisee pays Polar Tint when Polar Tint approves a transfer of the franchise to a new owner. The amount depends on the type of transfer and is disclosed in FDD Item 6; the conditions for a transfer are in FDD Item 17.

TSER

Total Solar Energy Rejected. A heat-rejection metric that combines the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared solar energy a film rejects through reflection and absorption. Film manufacturers typically list TSER on a film's specification sheet, and the value varies with the film's construction and shade.

V

VetFran

The International Franchise Association's veteran-discount program. Member franchisors offer discounts on initial fees to honorably discharged veterans. Polar Tint is not a VetFran member; it offers its own 25% discount on the initial franchise fee to honorably discharged veterans and first responders (FDD Item 5).

Veteran's Advantage

An SBA program offering guarantee-fee benefits to eligible veteran-owned small businesses. Eligibility and any fee savings are determined by the SBA and the lender, not by Polar Tint. Separately, Polar Tint offers a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans and first responders (FDD Item 5).

VLT

Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of visible light that passes through a window film — lower VLT means darker tint. A 5% VLT film blocks 95% of visible light (very dark, "limo" tint); a 70% VLT film is nearly clear. Most state laws regulate VLT on front side windows; back windows and rear glass are often unrestricted.

W

Working capital

The cash a business keeps to cover operating expenses such as rent, payroll, utilities, and marketing. Polar Tint's FDD Item 7 includes an Additional Funds estimate for on-going expenses during the start-up phase, which the FDD calculates at approximately three months (Item 7, Note 11); it does not include a salary or draw for owners or the royalty and other fees owed to Polar Tint. Lenders may want to see additional personal reserves; size them with your lender and accountant.

Working capital reserve

The cash a franchisee keeps on hand to cover operating expenses while the business is getting started. Polar Tint's FDD Item 7 estimates Additional Funds for the start-up phase, approximately three months (Note 11), as part of the total initial investment. Lenders typically want to see additional personal reserves on top of that; size them with your lender and accountant.

Total defined terms: 111. Last reviewed: August 20, 2026. See the data matrix for FDD-sourced numbers.