What is the estimated cost range for a one-terminal POS System and Dashboard for a Ben Jerrys franchise?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ion to a cloud-based server, viewable via an online portal (the "Dashboard"). The Dashboard provides you with near real time transaction data with web-based reporting capabilities to meet our current requirements. The Dashboard is included in the POS platform offering.
A breakdown of estimated costs of the POS System and Dashboard is available in Item 7, Note 7. To summarize, the costs of the equipment, software, staging, and credit card equipment, and Dashboard for a one-terminal POS System range between $1,800-$2,300 plus tax. This includes POS equipment, software and hardware, one year of coverage for the POS SaaS license fee, access to Square Priority Support Services, Dashboard access, and Employee Management. The POS vendor provides integrated and PCI compliant credit card and gift card processing. If contracted, credit card processing and interchange fees are paid directly to the vendor. You should note that our Manual requires that all locations that accept credit card payments comply with the requirements of the Cardholder Information Security Program ("CISP") promulgated by Visa®, including compliance with all requirements mandated by the Payment Card Industry ("PCI"). In addition to the POS System and license costs, you can expect $1,000-$1,500 for telephone system, DSL or cable internet access, wi-fi and related installation and wiring costs. In the event DSL or cable internet access is not available, alternative connectivity costs will be higher. All networking costs will be paid directly to provider(s).
The POS System on the front counter is intended for ringing sales and transactions.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 43–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for a one-terminal POS system and Dashboard ranges from $1,800 to $2,300, excluding tax. This encompasses the POS equipment, software, hardware, a one-year POS SaaS license, access to Square Priority Support Services, Dashboard access, and Employee Management. The POS vendor handles integrated and PCI compliant credit card and gift card processing, with processing and interchange fees paid directly to the vendor.
In addition to the POS system, Ben Jerrys franchisees should anticipate further expenses of $1,000 to $1,500 for telephone systems, DSL or cable internet access, wi-fi, and related installation and wiring. These networking costs are paid directly to the service providers. If DSL or cable internet access is unavailable, alternative connectivity solutions will incur higher costs. Franchisees are also required to purchase hardware to support online ordering, which includes orders for cakes, catering, and on-demand delivery, with an estimated cost of $1,000 to $1,500.
Ben Jerrys requires that all POS system hardware and software be purchased new from an approved vendor, unless the Ben Jerrys Management team provides written approval otherwise. Franchisees are responsible for installing and maintaining the necessary cabling, internet connectivity, wireless internet, telephone line, and dedicated electrical circuits according to Ben Jerrys's specifications. Franchisees are also responsible for operating, maintaining, and upgrading their POS system as directed by Ben & Jerry's, ensuring it interfaces correctly with Ben & Jerry's computer systems and those of third parties.
Ben Jerrys retains the right to modify the POS system specifications in the future to incorporate technological advancements or to adapt to operational needs. While franchisees are responsible for the monthly POS SaaS license fee, currently $100 per location, Ben Jerrys may act as a payment agent and prepay the POS vendor to ensure the license remains active, billing the franchisee on their monthly statement. The POS system uploads daily sales information to a cloud-based server, accessible through an online portal called the Dashboard, which provides near real-time transaction data and web-based reporting capabilities.