What does participation in electronic money programs entail for a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisee?
Benjamin_Franklin_Plumbing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
e a system that we specify. You are required to use the required systems for service calls, managing inventory, reporting Gross Revenue and other information, training personnel, and other functions as we specify from time to time. You are required to ensure that your employees are adequately trained to use the systems and that they follow applicable policies. You are required to maintain your technology systems in good working order at all times and promptly install upgrades, additions, modifications, substitutions and/or replacements of hardware, software, connectivity, power, and other system components as necessary. You agree to bear all costs of acquisition, installation, use, maintenance and upgrade of your systems.
- 6.8. Franchisee Portal. We have the right (but no obligation) to establish one or more websites and/or mobile applications that are open only to franchisees (the "Franchisee Portal"). If applicable, you are required to use the Franchisee Portal for reporting, training, ordering merchandise and supplies, or other purposes as we direct.
- 6.9. Payment Systems and Customer Retention Programs. You are required to participate in programs relating to gift cards, gift certificates, stored value cards, online or mobile coupons or credits, online or mobile ordering systems, and other electronic money programs we prescribe from time to time for Franchised Businesses. Participation includes both issuing program benefits or credits and accepting them for payment by customers, and may require you to purchase additional equipment. We have the right to coordinate the crediting and debiting of funds among Franchised Businesses based on customer purchases and redemption of stored value.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 88–312)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to participate in electronic money programs that the franchisor prescribes. These programs may include gift cards, gift certificates, stored value cards, online or mobile coupons or credits, and online or mobile ordering systems. Participation involves both issuing these program benefits or credits and accepting them as payment from customers.
This participation may require franchisees to purchase additional equipment to facilitate these programs. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing retains the right to coordinate the crediting and debiting of funds among franchised businesses based on customer purchases and the redemption of stored value. Franchisees must also comply with the franchisor's policies regarding the acceptance of payments made via credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment systems, and digital coupons, which may include adhering to minimum purchase requirements or surcharges for card usage.
Furthermore, franchisees are also required to participate in any customer loyalty programs that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing prescribes. Franchisees are prohibited from offering their own gift card, electronic money, or loyalty programs for their franchised business without obtaining prior written approval from the franchisor. The implementation of these payment systems and loyalty programs may necessitate that franchisees acquire new hardware, software, equipment, and training, all at their own expense.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing also has the right to mandate that all equipment, technology, inventory, supplies, vehicles, signs, furnishings, fixtures, décor items, retail merchandise, payment systems, and other products and services meet the specifications established by the franchisor. These items may be required to be purchased exclusively from vendors approved by the franchisor or from a single designated source, which could include the franchisor or its affiliates, at the prevailing price.