Can Bambu require franchisees to purchase additional hardware and software in the future?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s in our Owner Operations Manual.
Point-Of-Sale Systems, Merchant Service, Computers and Other Technology
You must purchase a point-of-sale system meeting our specifications, which is currently the Square bundled system (the "POS System"). It includes our approved third-party applications. The POS System has the capability of facilitating our system-wide customer loyalty/rewards program; employee scheduling, time tracking, and inventory application; and third-party delivery services; and has built in merchant software for both shoppe and customer facing ordering, credit card processing and customer tipping. The POS System will generate and store data related to customer transactions and the loyalty program. You must also use a mobile smartphone that accesses the Internet to communicate via SMS. As of the date this Disclosure Document, we do not require you to purchase or use any other specific computer system or software, although we reserve the right to require you to purchase additional hardware and software meeting our requirements in the future.
The cost of purchasing a single POS System with two printers and related equipment and technology for your Bambū shoppe is currently $2,500. The typical cost of maintenance updates, upgrades and support is currently less than $100 per month. Merchant fees are processed and paid separately per the terms of our approved providers service agreement. We can require you to acquire different or additional hardware, software, and possible subscriptions to online applications, including different POS System hardware, software, and applications, meeting our minimum specifications on 90 days' notice.
Neither we nor our affiliates or any third party have any obligation to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to the POS System and any required applications used in your franchise business. We reserve the right to require you to give us independent access to the informatio
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 initially required to purchase a point-of-sale (POS) system, currently the Square bundled system, along with a mobile smartphone. The POS system, which costs approximately $2,500 including two printers and related equipment, facilitates customer loyalty programs, employee scheduling, inventory management, and credit card processing. Maintenance, updates, and support for the POS system typically cost less than $100 per month. Franchisees also need a smartphone, with costs ranging from $100 to $1,200, and a wireless data plan costing $30 to $60 per month.
While franchisees are not currently required to purchase other specific computer systems or software, Bambu retains the right to mandate the purchase of additional hardware and software in the future. Bambu can require franchisees to acquire different or additional hardware, software, and subscriptions to online applications, including different POS System hardware, software, and applications, provided they give 90 days' notice.
Bambu also reserves the right to access information generated or stored on the POS system or any other computer system of the franchisee without contractual limitation. Furthermore, Bambu and third parties may develop proprietary software or other technology systems for use in the shoppes, charging franchisees a license or other fee to use such software. They may also derive revenue from maintenance and upgrade fees for these systems and require franchisees to participate in credit card or other payment programs, electronic data capture, and electronic communication services at the franchisee's cost. This means franchisees should be prepared for potential future technology-related expenses and system modifications mandated by Bambu.