Is a mobile smartphone required for a Bambu franchise?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ns from us regarding the operation of your Bambū shoppe, unless you are otherwise notified by us in writing. You are required to regularly use a device that accesses the Internet, which may be a smartphone (or other similar device designated by us) with SMS capability which meets our minimum specifications and obtain a data plan with a reputable wireless carrier which allows you to access the shoppe Email Account and communicate by email on an unlimited basis each day with us and customers of your shoppe. The cost of purchasing a smartphone typically ranges from $100 to $1,200 and the cost of a wireless data plan from a major carrier typically ranges from $30 to $60 per month. There are no requirements to update or upgrade the smartphone. You agree that you have no reasonable expectation to privacy in the information and data communicated, stored or received using the shoppe Email Account and that we have the
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 28–38)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use a mobile smartphone. Specifically, franchisees must use a smartphone (or similar device designated by Bambu) with SMS capability that meets Bambu's minimum specifications. This device is needed to access the shoppe Email Account and communicate via email with both Bambu and customers. Franchisees also need to obtain a data plan with a reputable wireless carrier that allows unlimited daily access to the shoppe Email Account.
The FDD states that the cost of purchasing a smartphone typically ranges from $100 to $1,200, while the cost of a wireless data plan from a major carrier typically ranges from $30 to $60 per month. There are no requirements to update or upgrade the smartphone.
Bambu may assign an email account to each shoppe, which the franchisee must use according to Bambu's guidelines. This shoppe Email Account or other SMS methods are the primary source of communications from Bambu regarding the operation of the Bambu shoppe, unless otherwise notified in writing. Bambu also states that franchisees have no reasonable expectation of privacy in the information and data communicated, stored, or received using the shoppe Email Account, and that Bambu has the right to receive and review this information.