Are Amerispec Inspection Services franchisees required to use associated services with the software system?
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.
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 required to use associated services with the software system. Specifically, franchisees must use the software system, including business contact management software, inspection software, communication and data storage systems, and hardware components, that Amerispec Inspection Services has developed or selected for their system of operation.
Amerispec Inspection Services may require franchisees to obtain, update, and use specified computer hardware or software, including licenses for proprietary software. The franchisee's computer system must be compatible with Amerispec Inspection Services's systems, connected via high-speed internet, and maintained according to their specifications. Franchisees may also be required to electronically upload or transmit information periodically, and Amerispec Inspection Services has the right to access sales and other data produced by the computer system.
Amerispec Inspection Services will provide Level 1 inspection software support and assist vendors with major bug fixes for the AIS (AmeriSpec Inspection Software). Franchisees are responsible for providing the necessary hardware, third-party software, internet connection, and other computer equipment to run the software, ensuring they meet Amerispec Inspection Services's specifications. The company also reserves the right to designate a single source from whom franchisees must purchase the computer system, software, hardware, or associated services, and this source may be Amerispec Inspection Services or its affiliates.
Amerispec Inspection Services can require franchisees to use and pay for all future updates, supplements, and modifications to the computer system with 60 days' written notice. This ensures that all franchisees operate on a standardized and up-to-date system, which can help maintain consistency and quality across the franchise network. However, it also means franchisees must be prepared for potential ongoing costs associated with these updates and modifications.