What policies does Amerispec Inspection Services establish regarding the use of customer data?
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.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 47–172)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Amerispec Inspection Services utilizes software systems, including business contact management and inspection software, to manage and store data. The AMS (AmeriSpec Management System) is an online tool that centralizes information and automates processes, enabling Amerispec Inspection Services to market, schedule, and communicate with the franchisee's customers. Franchisees are required to use software specified by Amerispec Inspection Services, ensure their computer systems are compatible, and maintain updates as per the company's specifications, including those in the Operations Manual. Franchisees may also be required to electronically upload or transmit information periodically, potentially daily, and Amerispec Inspection Services retains the right to independently access sales information and other data produced by the Computer System.
Amerispec Inspection Services grants franchisees a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the AmeriSpec® Management System, emphasizing that it is solely for use within the franchised business. Franchisees are explicitly prohibited from allowing third parties to use the software, processing data for other parties, or transferring the software without prior written consent. They are also restricted from copying, altering, or reverse engineering the software. Amerispec Inspection Services provides help desk support for software functionality and bug fixes during specific hours, excluding holidays, but support is contingent on the franchisee maintaining compatible hardware and systems.
These policies mean that franchisees must adhere to Amerispec Inspection Services's technology standards and data-handling procedures. The company's access to franchisee-generated data provides it with oversight and control over operations, potentially impacting the franchisee's autonomy. Franchisees should be aware of the data collection and usage practices, ensuring they comply with data protection regulations and understand how customer information is managed within the Amerispec Inspection Services system. It is important to review Exhibit G, which contains the license agreement for the AMS software, to fully understand the terms and conditions.