What is the Amerispec Inspection Services franchisee's obligation regarding the use of the Company's System of Operation?
Amerispec_Inspection_Services Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
d service are maintained. The Franchisee shall pay to the Company all of the Company's actual costs for such person so assigned, including wages, travel, and living expenses.
- 9.12 Software. Franchisee will use in the Franchised Business the software system, including business contact management software and inspection software, all other existing or future communication or data storage systems, hardware components thereof and associated service, which the Company has developed and/or selected for the System of Operation (the "Computer System"). As part of the Computer System, the Company may require Franchisee to obtain, update, and use specified computer hardware and/or software including, without limitation, a license to use proprietary software developed by us or others (the "Software"). Franchisee's Computer System must be compatible with the Company's computer systems, must be connected to the Company's facilities by high-speed Internet with minimum requirements specified by the Company, and must be updated, maintained, and used in compliance with the Company's specifications, including the Operations Manual. The Company may require Franchisee to electronically upload or transmit information on a periodic basis (including daily). The Company also has the right to independently access sales information and other data produced by the Computer System. The AIS (AmeriSpec Inspection Software) is a software program that allows home inspectors to collect data while performing a home inspection and generate a home inspection report. The Company will assist Franchisee with Level 1 inspection software support and assist vendors with major bug fixes for the AIS. Currently, the Company charges an initial license fee of $1,000 per license for the first year that is included in the Marketing and Technology Bundle. For each year thereafter, an annual service fee that varies per license per inspector must be paid to the Company's approved vendor, depending on the method of payment. Additional licenses for the Franchised Business may be purchased directly from the Company's approved vendor. Franchisee must sign the approved vendor's then-current software license agreement for the AIS. The AMS (AmeriSpec Management System) is an online business management tool that allows Franchisee to have all Franchisee's needed information and automated processes in one place. The AMS allows the Company to market, schedule, and communicate with Franchisee's customers. Franchisee must sign a license agreement with the Company for use of this software, the form of which is included as Exhibit G to this Agreement. Currently, the Company charges an initial license fee of $300 per license (which is included in the Marketing and Technology Bundle) and an annual renewal fee of $300 per year for this software. The fee will be pro-rated for your first year of operation. For each year thereafter, the fee will be payable on June 1. New releases of the Software may be provided at additional cost and may be contingent upon execution of a new software license agreement by Franchisee. The Company reserves the right to assign its rights, title and interest in the Software to a third party designated by the Company or to replace the Software. In such event, Franchisee may be required to enter into a separate computer software license agreement specified by AmeriSpec or the third-party supplier of the specific Software.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 47–172)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Amerispec Inspection Services's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are obligated to use the company's System of Operation. This includes utilizing the designated Computer System, which comprises business contact management software, inspection software (AIS), communication and data storage systems, and associated hardware. Franchisees must ensure their computer systems are compatible with Amerispec Inspection Services, maintain a high-speed internet connection meeting the company's minimum requirements, and keep all systems updated according to the Operations Manual.
Amerispec Inspection Services may require franchisees to electronically transmit information regularly, potentially on a daily basis, and retains the right to independently access sales and other data from the Computer System. Franchisees are expected to keep their manuals up to date with any additions or modifications received via mail, email, or the company's intranet. Furthermore, franchisees must participate in additional programs and services provided by Amerispec Inspection Services unless otherwise approved by the company.
Franchisees are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the AmeriSpec Management System (AMS) Software solely for their franchised business. They are prohibited from allowing third parties to use the software, processing data for other parties, or transferring the software without prior written consent from Amerispec Inspection Services. Franchisees must also adhere to all rules, regulations, and directives outlined in the franchise agreement and confidential manuals, including merchandising, promotion, and advertising policies, which Amerispec Inspection Services reserves the right to modify. All inspections must be documented on company-prescribed forms, and the company must be notified of each inspection and revenue source.
To ensure quality and consistency, all inspections must be conducted by qualified inspectors meeting Amerispec Inspection Services' standards or legal requirements. This may include certification under a program established or endorsed by the company, or completion of the company's inspector training program. Franchisees are also required to have at least one AmeriSpec-identified service vehicle, adhering to specific color and graphic standards. Compliance with these operational standards is crucial for maintaining the goodwill associated with the Amerispec Inspection Services brand and ensuring customer satisfaction.