Can Amerispec Inspection Services require franchisees to use a company-provided email address and website?
Amerispec_Inspection_Services Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
WHEREAS, AmeriSpec has a license to permit authorized parties to access web-based electronic mail accounts for AmeriSpec ("e-mail accounts") which are designed to facilitate communication between Franchisees, other third-parties and AmeriSpec for the purpose of, among other things, the scheduling of AmeriSpec inspections; and
WHEREAS, AmeriSpec desires to grant, and Franchisee desires to obtain permission and access to the e-mail account.
NOW, THEREFORE, AmeriSpec and Franchisee agree as follows:
AmeriSpec will provide Franchisee with access to and the right to use the e-mail account as specified herein.
AmeriSpec will provide up to a maximum of two (2) email accounts per franchise, as follows: If Franchisee's AmeriSpec franchise is owned by more than one individual, then AmeriSpec shall provide up to two (2) separate e-mail accounts.
If the franchise is owned by a corporation or other type of legal business entity and more than one individual has executed a personal guaranty relative to the terms of the Franchise Agreement, then AmeriSpec shall provide up to two (2) separate e-mail accounts.
Additional e-mail accounts may be created, but the Franchisee will be billed the then current charge for the additional accounts.
AmeriSpec shall retain ownership of the e-mail account and e-mail address.
A maximum of up to two (2) email accounts per franchise shall be provided at no cost to the Franchisee.
AmeriSpec reserves the right to charge a license fee in the future, but shall provide at least 30 days' notice prior thereto.
Franchisee shall be responsible for any costs incurred in either the use of or obtaining access to the e-mail account.
The name for the address of the e-mail account (e-mail address) shall be as follows: (Franchisee's first initial) (Franchisee's last name)@AmeriSpec.net.
For example: RSkinner@AmeriSpec.net.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 47–172)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Amerispec Inspection Services' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use a company-provided email account. Amerispec Inspection Services will provide up to two email accounts per franchise at no cost. However, Amerispec Inspection Services retains ownership of the email account and address.
The email address format will be (Franchisee's first initial)(Franchisee's last name)@AmeriSpec.net. For example, RSkinner@AmeriSpec.net. Amerispec Inspection Services reserves the right to charge a license fee for the email accounts in the future, providing at least 30 days' notice. The franchisee is responsible for any costs incurred in using or obtaining access to the email account.
While the FDD excerpt specifies the use of a company-provided email, it does not explicitly state requirements regarding a website. It is important for prospective franchisees to clarify with Amerispec Inspection Services whether they are required to use a company-provided website, and if so, what costs or obligations are associated with it.