Can Americas Best Value Inn require franchisees to use designated suppliers for the PMS?
Americas_Best_Value_Inn Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Other than certain required credit card interface hardware, we do not currently have any specific hardware requirements. However, before commencing operation of your Hotel, you must ensure the PMS that we designate is installed at your Hotel in compliance with the specifications described in the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing, that it is fully operational, that your staff is properly trained in its use, and that it is connected to our RMS. We periodically may revise the specifications and we may require you to use our designated suppliers.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 38–41)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Americas Best Value Inn Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to use designated suppliers for their Property Management System (PMS). The FDD states that before commencing operation of the hotel, franchisees must ensure that the PMS that Americas Best Value Inn designates is installed at the hotel in compliance with the specifications described in the Brand Manual or otherwise in writing. It must be fully operational, the staff must be properly trained in its use, and it must be connected to their RMS.
Americas Best Value Inn periodically may revise the specifications and may require franchisees to use their designated suppliers. This means that franchisees might not have a choice in selecting their PMS vendor and must adhere to the franchisor's specified system.
This requirement ensures uniformity and integration across all Americas Best Value Inn locations, allowing for better data management and potentially streamlined operations. However, it also means that franchisees may not be able to choose a PMS that they prefer or that might be more cost-effective, and they must factor in the costs and requirements associated with the mandated system.