Is a Belocal franchisee required to use their own equipment and materials?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee shall retain control over Franchisee's own work schedule and determine the hours Franchisee works on any given day.
Franchisee shall use his or her own equipment and materials.
Franchisor may provide, from time to time, suggestions and training to assist Franchisee, but Franchisee shall retain control over the methods used to obtain the desired results for the Franchised Business, provided that the actions performed are ethical, legal, and do not violate this Agreement, Franchisor's policies, or the Franchise Brand Standards Manual.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 71)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use their own equipment and materials in the operation of their franchise. However, Belocal may provide suggestions and training to assist the franchisee, but the franchisee retains control over the methods used to achieve the desired results, provided that the actions performed are ethical, legal, and do not violate the Franchise Agreement, Belocal's policies, or the Franchise Brand Standards Manual.
Belocal franchisees must acquire and use specific computer hardware, software, cloud systems, and artificial intelligence tools that Belocal requires for operating the franchise. These technologies may be subject to enhancements, additions, substitutions, modifications, and upgrades. Belocal may also require franchisees to license software from Belocal or designated third parties, incurring associated fees. Franchisees are responsible for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of these technologies and for ensuring they interface correctly with Belocal's and third-party systems.
Belocal retains the right to establish new technology standards and franchisees must comply with these at their own cost. Changes in technology may lead to additional fees or the need to purchase new equipment. Belocal also reserves the right to access any technology or software provided to the franchisee, requiring franchisees to provide all necessary passwords and login credentials upon request. However, Belocal does not have independent access to the franchisee's personal computer otherwise.
Franchisees are generally prohibited from using artificial intelligence in their operations without express written approval from Belocal, in accordance with the Franchise Brand Standards Manual. This includes AI-driven customer service, data analysis, and content generation tools. Any violation of this provision is considered a material breach of the Franchise Agreement.