Is Annex Brands the only supplier of the proprietary PostalMate POS network software?
Annex_Brands Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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You must obtain PostalMate POS network software from us. We have been using continually-improved versions of this network software since December 1989.
An independent 3rd party, PostalMate of 356 East Germann Road, Suite 220, Gilbert, AZ 85297, telephone: 877-728-5328, an A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S Company of 180 Park Avenue, Building 105, PO Box 950, Floraham Park, NJ 07932 telephone: 800-321-8807, owns this proprietary software and licenses it to us.
We, in turn, will license it to you on an annual basis (see Attachment 6 to the franchise agreement). Currently, the initial license fee is $250, payable to us. This software must be updated periodically to install new DHL, FedEx, U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and other supported regional carriers' rates, and other information. PostalMate will provide upgrades and support for this software to you. We estimate that the cost of maintaining a license for this software will be about
$35 annually, payable to us in the same month each year based on the month in which the license began. The cost of upgrades and support will be about $105 per month, payable to PostalMate. The software license may be transferred to a new franchisee on our approval and written authorization. Currently there is no transfer fee if the retail center will be in the same location, but we reserve the right to charge a transfer fee in the future. These fees are subject to change after at least 15 days' notice to you.
PostalMate POS network software generates sales, product, customer, supplier, accounting, management, shipping and manifesting information. You must record customer information in the PostalMate POS database, and link each customer's transactions to it as we specify. You must have a modem and Internet connection that connects with our computer system, so we have independent access to this information. There are no contractual limitations on our right to access this information.
In addition to the PostalMate POS network software, currently you must obtain and use the following 3rd party software programs or licenses that are designed to enhance and interface with PostalMate network software, except as noted below:
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- PM Tools software with QuickBooks Integration software subscription license from VSoftwareTools, Inc. (11918 SE Division St #3000, Portland, OR 97266, 800-778-4078) that covers the software, maintenance, support. VSoftwareTools, Inc. is an independent 3rd party that owns this proprietary software and licenses it to you for a monthly subscription fee of $42.50 per month (fees subject to change by supplier).
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 45–62)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Annex Brands Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain the PostalMate POS network software from Annex Brands. However, the software itself is owned by an independent third party, PostalMate, an A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S Company. Annex Brands licenses the software from PostalMate and then sublicenses it to the franchisee on an annual basis. The initial license fee payable to Annex Brands is $250, and the estimated annual cost for maintaining the license is about $35, also payable to Annex Brands. Additionally, franchisees will pay approximately $105 per month to PostalMate for upgrades and support.
This arrangement means that while Annex Brands mandates the use of PostalMate POS, they are not the developers or exclusive providers of the software. Franchisees are required to use this specific software to maintain uniformity and integration within the Annex Brands system for sales, product, customer, accounting, and shipping information. The franchisee must record customer information in the PostalMate POS database as specified by Annex Brands, granting Annex Brands independent access to this data via an internet connection.
Furthermore, Annex Brands includes a security device in the PostalMate POS network software that allows them to remotely disable the software if the franchisee breaches the franchise agreement or if the franchise or software license expires or terminates. Annex Brands is not liable for any data loss or business interruption resulting from the use of this security device. This highlights the importance of adhering to the franchise agreement and maintaining the software license to avoid potential disruptions.
In addition to the PostalMate POS network software, Annex Brands franchisees are required to use other third-party software programs that interface with PostalMate, such as PM Tools software with QuickBooks Integration software. These programs often come with their own subscription fees and requirements, adding to the overall technology costs for the franchisee. Franchisees should carefully consider these ongoing expenses and the potential for changes in fees or required software when evaluating the Annex Brands franchise opportunity.