What computer hardware and software specifications must an Apricot Lane franchisee meet to ensure compatibility with the franchisor's system?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
to you.
Computer Systems
You must use computer hardware and software meeting our specifications that is compatible with our system, including a software program for point of sale which tracks and collects all pertinent data of inventory, vendors, customers, sales transactions and inventory orders. The system includes an Apple Mac microprocessor and compatible software applications and accessories including monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, receipt printer, bar code scanner, bar code label printer, Microsoft Office, and point of sale and inventory management software. You will also use this computer system to access the COUNTRY VISIONS intranet and receive information from COUNTRY VISIONS, such as updates to the Confidential Operations Manual. The estimated cost to acquire this system is from $9,000 to $12,000.
Third party companies distribute the hardware and software for our required computer system. COUNTRY VISIONS has not approved any other hardware or software programs; however, we will review and consider any equivalent hardware components or software programs.
In all cases, you will need a computer for various functions. Using our specified computer system means your system will be compatible with ours and that you will have full access to the ongoing support we provide, much of which is made available through electronic means.
You are responsible for maintenance and repair of your computer system. You are not required to spend more than 1% of your annual gross revenue or more than $5,000 per year, whichever is less on maintenance and repair costs for your Franchised Business, including the computer system. Many vendors offer ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates under warranties and maintenance contracts. For the point of sale and inventory management software program you must pay $145 monthly subscription fee (for an annual cost of $1,740) and upgrade as specified by COUNTRY VISIONS.. Maximum upgrades are twice a year at a total cost of $500 per year.
You must maintain, repair and modify the computer system at your own expense as described in Item 8 of this Disclosure Document and subject to the limits on expenditures described in that Item.
If you use our specified computer system, we will have independent remote access to your system and the information stored in it.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use computer hardware and software that meets Apricot Lane's specifications and is compatible with their system. This includes a software program for point of sale that tracks and collects data related to inventory, vendors, customers, sales transactions, and inventory orders. The required system includes an Apple Mac microprocessor, compatible software applications, and accessories such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, receipt printer, bar code scanner, bar code label printer, Microsoft Office, and point of sale and inventory management software. The estimated cost to acquire this system ranges from $9,000 to $12,000.
Apricot Lane franchisees will also use this computer system to access the COUNTRY VISIONS intranet and receive information from COUNTRY VISIONS, including updates to the Confidential Operations Manual. While third-party companies distribute the hardware and software for the required computer system, Apricot Lane states that they have not approved any other hardware or software programs. However, they will review and consider any equivalent hardware components or software programs that a franchisee may propose.
Apricot Lane also specifies that using their designated computer system ensures compatibility and full access to ongoing support, which is largely provided electronically. Franchisees are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their computer systems, but they are not required to spend more than 1% of their annual gross revenue or $5,000 per year, whichever is less, on these costs. For the point of sale and inventory management software program, franchisees must pay a $145 monthly subscription fee (totaling $1,740 annually) and upgrade as specified by COUNTRY VISIONS, with maximum upgrades costing $500 per year and occurring no more than twice a year. If the franchisee uses Apricot Lane's specified computer system, COUNTRY VISIONS will have independent remote access to the system and the information stored within it.