Is Batteries Plus Bulbs contractually required to provide modifications or enhancements to the ProSource RMS Software or the Omni-Channel Software?
Batteries_Plus_Bulbs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The ProSource RMS Software and Omni-Channel Software (if applicable) is our proprietary software and must be obtained from us. We will provide to you basic ongoing maintenance and repairs respecting the ProSource RMS Software (ProSource RMS Software Agreement, Section 3). We do not charge you a separate fee (aside from the initial Retail Management System computer access fee and the monthly software support fee described below) for the maintenance and repair services provided respecting
the ProSource RMS Software. We are not contractually required to provide to you modifications or enhancements respecting the ProSource RMS Software or the Omni-Channel Software. You must incorporate these upgrades and updates to the Retail Management System as they become available. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4(D).) You must reimburse us for various costs associated with the Omni-Channel Program, as described below. You also must pay us an IT Infrastructure Maintenance Fee, as described below. In addition, as part of the Retail Management System, you must use Fiserv as your credit card processor. There are no contractual limitations in the frequency or cost of these obligations.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 34–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Batteries Plus Bulbs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Batteries Plus Bulbs is not contractually obligated to provide franchisees with modifications or enhancements to the ProSource RMS Software or the Omni-Channel Software. However, Batteries Plus Bulbs will provide basic ongoing maintenance and repairs for the ProSource RMS Software.
Batteries Plus Bulbs requires franchisees to incorporate upgrades and updates to the Retail Management System as they become available. The franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with the Omni-Channel Program and must also pay an IT Infrastructure Maintenance Fee. As part of the Retail Management System, franchisees are required to use Fiserv as their credit card processor.
Franchisees should be aware that while Batteries Plus Bulbs provides maintenance and requires updates to the software, they are not entitled to request specific changes or improvements. This could mean that franchisees must adapt their business practices to the software's capabilities rather than the other way around. It is important for prospective franchisees to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of the software and budget for any potential workarounds or third-party solutions if the software does not fully meet their needs.