Is an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee required to use Copilot CRM software?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Computer System
You must purchase the computer system that we specify, including computer hardware, software, point of sale system, inventory control systems, and high-speed network connections (collectively, the "Computer System"). The component parts of the Computer System must be purchased from Approved Suppliers. If we require you to use any proprietary software or to purchase any software from a designated vendor, you must sign any software license agreements that we or the licensor of the software require and any related software maintenance agreements. Currently, we require you to utilize the Command Center Services, at costs described herein in Item 6 per month. Additionally, you are recommended to use Copilot CRM software created and owned by our Affiliate Copilot Software LLC at costs of $250.00 per month; however, there is no additional cost currently associated with the software. The Computer System is described in more detail in Item 11 of this Disc
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 17–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Augusta Lawn Care Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are recommended to use Copilot CRM software but are not required to do so. The FDD states that Copilot CRM software is created and owned by Augusta Lawn Care's affiliate, Copilot Software LLC. The cost of the software is listed as $250.00 per month; however, there is no additional cost currently associated with the software.
While the use of Copilot CRM is not mandatory, Augusta Lawn Care does require franchisees to purchase a computer system that meets their specifications. This system includes computer hardware, software, point of sale system, inventory control systems, and high-speed network connections. These components must be purchased from approved suppliers.
Augusta Lawn Care retains the right to derive revenue from purchases franchisees make in connection with the franchised business. This includes the potential requirement to use Copilot software in the future. The FDD indicates that required purchases, purchases from approved suppliers, and purchases meeting Augusta Lawn Care's specifications are estimated to be 15-25% of the initial business establishment costs and 50-75% of ongoing operational purchases.