What computer systems and equipment are Auntie Annes franchisees required to purchase or lease?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 12.8 Computer System.
You must promptly purchase, lease and/or license and install at the Franchised Business, at your sole expense, the computerized point-of-sale system, computer systems, mobile hardware, software, associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, high speed internet access (e.g. DSL or cable), and other equipment that we require from time to time (the "Computer System"), all of which you must keep in good maintenance and repair.
We may, in our sole discretion, provide you with project management assistance related to, and coordinate the onboarding and configuration of, your Computer System before your Franchised Business opens or, if you are acquiring an existing Franchised Business, when you assume control of such Franchised Business.
You must pay us our then-current fee for such services.
You must use the Computer System in accordance with our Standards.
We have the right to retrieve all data from your Computer System that we deem appropriate, and we may require you to obtain polling services we specify.
We or a designated Approved Supplier will be the provider for the polling services, and you must pay all polling fees or service fees charged by such provider for such polling services.
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, you will comply with our directions, at your expense, within a reasonable time after notice to you.
We will have no liability or obligation whatsoever with respect to our requirement that you modify or discontinue use of any of the components of the Computer System or any unauthorized modifications to the Computer System that you make.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 106)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must promptly acquire and install a computerized point-of-sale (POS) system, computer systems, mobile hardware, software, associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, and high-speed internet access at their own expense. This includes maintaining and repairing all these components. Auntie Annes may offer project management assistance for the Computer System before opening or upon acquiring an existing franchise, for which the franchisee must pay a fee.
The Computer System must be used according to Auntie Annes's standards, and Auntie Annes has the right to retrieve data from the system. Franchisees may be required to use specific polling services, with associated fees. If Auntie Annes decides to change, upgrade, or discontinue any Computer System components, franchisees must comply at their own expense within a reasonable time after receiving notice.
Auntie Annes bears no liability for required modifications or discontinuations of Computer System components or for any unauthorized modifications made by the franchisee. This ensures that Auntie Annes can maintain system-wide standards and data collection capabilities, while franchisees are responsible for the costs and proper maintenance of the required technology.