What payment methods are Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees required to use?
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. You are required to comply with our policies regarding acceptance of payment by credit and/or debit cards, mobile payment systems, and digital coupons, including, for example, minimum purchase requirements and/or surcharges for use of a card. You are required to also participate in any customer loyalty programs we prescribe from time to time. You may not offer your own gift card, electronic money, or loyalty program for the Franchised Business without our prior written approval. The payment systems and loyalty programs we designate may require you to obtain new hardware, software, equipment and training at your own expense.
- 6.10. Sourcing. We have the right to require that all equipment, technology, inventory, supplies, vehicles, signs, furnishings, fixtures, décor items, retail merchandise, payment systems, and other products and services that you purchase for use or resale in the Franchised Business: (a) meet specifications that we establish from time to time; and/or (b) be purchased only from vendors that we have expressly approved;
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 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 that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing prescribes. This participation includes both issuing program benefits or credits and accepting them for payment by customers, which may require franchisees to purchase additional equipment. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has the right to coordinate the crediting and debiting of funds among franchised businesses based on customer purchases and redemption of stored value.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees must comply with policies regarding the acceptance of payments made via credit and/or debit cards, mobile payment systems, and digital coupons. These policies may include stipulations such as minimum purchase requirements or surcharges for using a card. Franchisees are also required to participate in any customer loyalty programs that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing introduces. Without prior written approval from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, franchisees are not allowed to offer their own gift cards, electronic money, or loyalty programs for the franchised business.
The payment systems and loyalty programs that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing designates may necessitate that franchisees acquire new hardware, software, equipment, and training, all at their own expense. Furthermore, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing 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 that franchisees purchase for use or resale in the franchised business meet specific standards. These items may need to be purchased exclusively from vendors approved by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing or from a single source, which could include Benjamin Franklin Plumbing or its affiliates, at the prevailing price.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees must authorize Automated Clearing House (ACH) or other electronic funds transfers. Franchisees must maintain sufficient funds in their account to cover payments to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. If funds are insufficient, the shortfall is considered overdue, and a fee applies, which is the greater of $50 or the amount the bank charges Benjamin Franklin Plumbing due to insufficient funds. If Benjamin Franklin Plumbing permits credit card payments, franchisees must reimburse Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for the incurred charges, subject to applicable law.