What additional expenses might an Auntie Annes franchisee incur related to the Computer System?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
additional expenses if you require additional equipment, training, or installation services. We may require you to purchase, license, or lease additional hardware or software.
Except as provided under the POS System Support Services Agreement, we and our affiliates are not contractually obligated to provide any maintenance, updating, upgrading, or support contracts related to the Computer System. Other than as specified above for the POS System, we do not require you to, and do not anticipate that you will need to, enter into any maintenance, updating, upgrading, or support contracts relating to the Computer System.
We may revise our specifications for the Computer System (including the POS System) from time to time. You are contractually required to make periodic upgrades and updates to the Computer System to remain in compliance with our Standards. If it becomes advisable at any time, in our sole discretion, for us to change, upgrade, or discontinue use of any of the components of the Computer System or the model of POS System, you will comply with our directions, at your expense, within a reasonable time after notice to you. If we require you to use a different POS System, you must stop using the old POS System, purchase the new POS System, sign any required software license agreement and any required maintenance/update agreements with the vendor, pay any related POS System Support Fees, and use the new POS System. We can require you to add, substitute or replace computer hardware, memory, ports, accessories, peripheral equipment, or software, or to replace your Computer System. There are no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of your obligation to upgrade and replace hardware and software for your Computer System.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–77)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Anne's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may face several additional expenses related to the Computer System. These costs can arise from the need for extra equipment, training, or installation services beyond the initial setup. Auntie Anne's may also require franchisees to purchase, license, or lease additional hardware or software to keep their systems up to date.
Franchisees are also responsible for maintaining the Computer System, keeping it in good repair, and ensuring it can communicate with Auntie Anne's system. This includes procuring necessary services. While Auntie Anne's isn't contractually obligated to provide maintenance, updates, or support (except under the POS System Support Services Agreement), franchisees are required to make periodic upgrades and updates to comply with Auntie Anne's standards.
Furthermore, Auntie Anne's retains the right to revise the Computer System specifications, including the POS system, and franchisees must comply with any changes, upgrades, or discontinuation of components at their own expense. This could involve purchasing a new POS system, signing software license agreements, and paying related support fees. Auntie Anne's can also mandate the addition, substitution, or replacement of computer hardware or software, with no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of these upgrades.