Can Bambu require franchisees to purchase additional hardware or software in the future?

According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to purchase additional hardware, software, and subscriptions to online applications in the future. Bambu states that these purchases must meet their minimum specifications and will be at the franchisee's expense.

Bambu franchisees are already required to purchase a point-of-sale (POS) system, which includes hardware to service the loyalty rewards program. The currently required POS system is the Square bundled system. Franchisees also pay monthly fees for maintenance and updates to the POS system. While Bambu currently derives no revenue from the purchase of the POS system, they reserve the right to derive revenue from the purchase and license of the POS system or any proprietary software if they develop their own system or software and license it to franchisees.

Furthermore, franchisees are required to use the QuickBooks accounting application and the Homebase human resource application, unless Bambu approves the use of a similar application. Franchisees must also own a smartphone or other mobile device with internet access to communicate via SMS and participate in Bambu's Franchisee Resource Center (FRC). These existing technology requirements, coupled with the possibility of future mandatory purchases, highlight the importance of budgeting for ongoing technology expenses when considering a Bambu franchise.