What is a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisee required to install for communications systems?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(5) You will need to install wiring for communications systems that comply with our specifications.
(20) The telephone numbers and electronic identities you use in connection with the Franchised Business will be owned and controlled by us or an approved supplier.
We require you to "port" or transfer all phone numbers to an approved call routing and tracking supplier (see Item 8).
The cost for this service and the new telephone number will vary, but we estimate it will cost you $100 per month depending on the number of telephone lines you require.
The estimate for telephone services covers the first month only and assumes one telephone line on the low end of the range and five telephone lines on the high end of the range.
All telephone calls to the Franchised Business must be answered by a "live" voice.
We recommend, but do not require, that you use a Call Center to provide "live" voice answering services.
In order to obtain Call Center services, you will likely need to pay a one-time set up fee plus your first month's subscription fee.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 28–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing FDD, franchisees must install wiring for communications systems that adhere to the franchisor's specifications. Additionally, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing requires franchisees to transfer all phone numbers to an approved call routing and tracking supplier.
The cost for the call routing service and a new telephone number is estimated to be $100 per month, but this can vary depending on the number of telephone lines needed. The FDD's initial investment estimate covers only the first month of telephone services, assuming between one and five telephone lines.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing mandates that all telephone calls to the franchised business be answered by a "live" voice. While the FDD recommends using a call center to provide live answering services, it does not require it. If a franchisee chooses to use a call center, they should anticipate a one-time setup fee in addition to the first month's subscription fee.