Who designates the computer hardware and software that Apricot Lane franchisees must purchase?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase computer hardware and software designated by COUNTRY VISIONS. COUNTRY VISIONS or an affiliate may be, but are not currently, approved suppliers or designated suppliers of other products to be utilized at or sold from the Franchised Business. If we develop any proprietary items, private-label or exclusive merchandise for the APRICOT LANE Marks, we can require you to carry it and we may be the designated supplier or may designate another supplier.
You will set up, maintain and utilize an Internet service provider for the purposes of receiving electronic communications and point-of-sale, inventory management and other systems information from us, from other franchisees and your customers.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 17–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase computer hardware and software designated by COUNTRY VISIONS. COUNTRY VISIONS may be, but is not currently, an approved supplier or designated supplier of other products to be utilized at or sold from the Franchised Business. If COUNTRY VISIONS develops any proprietary items, private-label or exclusive merchandise for the APRICOT LANE Marks, they can require franchisees to carry it and may be the designated supplier or may designate another supplier.
This means that as a prospective Apricot Lane franchisee, you do not have the freedom to choose your own computer systems. You are obligated to acquire the specific hardware and software that COUNTRY VISIONS mandates. This ensures uniformity across the Apricot Lane franchise system, allowing for standardized operations and support. However, it also means you cannot leverage existing systems or potentially find more cost-effective solutions independently.
The FDD also states that franchisees must set up, maintain, and utilize an Internet service provider for receiving electronic communications and point-of-sale, inventory management, and other systems information from Apricot Lane, other franchisees, and customers. This highlights the importance of technology in the Apricot Lane business model and the need for reliable internet connectivity. Franchisees should factor in the costs of the designated computer systems and ongoing internet service when evaluating the overall investment.
It is important to note that COUNTRY VISIONS has the right to derive revenue from required purchases, but they are currently not an approved vendor for any items or services purchased by franchisees, except as described in Item 5. However, COUNTRY VISIONS may require franchisees to implement system modifications including new or modified Marks, computer systems, inventory items, merchandising techniques and equipment. Apricot Lane cannot require franchisees to spend more than 2% of their average annual Gross Revenues or $15,000 during the initial term of the franchise, whichever is less, for System modifications.