What are the potential consequences for a Best Brains franchisee who fails to use the specified computer hardware and software (Item 8) and how does this relate to the technology fee they pay (Item 6)?
Best_Brains Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Computer Hardware and Software.
You must purchase the computer hardware and software that we specify.
Computer Systems. You will need high speed internet access, email, and a desktop or laptop computer with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft 365 or Office 365, and antivirus software. We require your computer system have high-speed internet access in order to access our BEST BRAINS Educational Assistant internet portal ("BEA Portal") on which your business information such as student enrollment and performance reports is maintained. The primary function of the computer system is for communicating with customers / parents via email, for office management, preparing weekly and monthly reports and updates, and for advertising on social networking sites. Your computer system may cost approximately $2,000 - $3,000.
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Fee | $40 per month for 0-100 students $60 per month for 101- 200 students $80 per month for 200+ students | Payable monthly | The Company may require the Franchisee to utilize a computer system, including without limitation a cloud-based portal for day-to-day operations of the franchise. FA Secs. 2(C) and 5(S). |
| Fees for Non Compliance with the Operations Manual | Currently $500 (2d Offense), $1,500 (3d Offense), $2,000 (4th Offense). | As incurred | Payable if you do not operate in compliance with the Operations Manual. FA Sec. 5(H). |
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Brains's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase the computer hardware and software that Best Brains specifies. Item 11 notes that franchisees will need high-speed internet access, email, and a desktop or laptop computer with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft 365 or Office 365, and antivirus software. The computer system, which may cost approximately $2,000 - $3,000, is primarily for communicating with customers/parents via email, for office management, preparing weekly and monthly reports and updates, and for advertising on social networking sites. Franchisees also need high-speed internet access to access Best Brains Educational Assistant internet portal (BEA Portal) on which business information such as student enrollment and performance reports is maintained.
Best Brains franchisees pay a monthly technology fee, the amount of which depends on the number of students enrolled at their center. The technology fee is $40 per month for 0-100 students, $60 per month for 101-200 students, and $80 per month for 200+ students. The FDD states that Best Brains may require the franchisee to utilize a computer system, including without limitation a cloud-based portal for day-to-day operations of the franchise.
The FDD does not explicitly state the consequences of failing to use the specified computer hardware and software. However, Item 6 includes a table that lists a "Fees for Non Compliance with the Operations Manual" which is $500 for a 2nd offense, $1,500 for a 3rd offense, and $2,000 for a 4th offense. Since franchisees must purchase the computer hardware and software that Best Brains specifies, failure to do so could be considered non-compliance with the operations manual and result in these fees. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Best Brains what the specific ramifications are for not using the specified hardware and software.