From whom must a Bft franchisee purchase the component parts of the Computer System and Audio/Visual Package?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase the computer system that we specify, including computer hardware, software, the POS System, inventory control systems, and high-speed network connections (collectively, the "Computer System"), as well as the audio-visual equipment comprising the Audio/Visual Package, including speakers, cabling, mounts and other related equipment that we specify. The component parts of the Computer System and Audio/Visual Package must be purchased from Approved Suppliers. If we require you to use any proprietary software or to purchase any software from a designated vendor, you must sign any software license agreements that we or the licensor of the software require and any related software maintenance agreements. The Computer System is described in more detail in Item 11 of this Disclosure Document.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 32–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bft Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase the component parts of the Computer System and Audio/Visual Package from Bft's Approved Suppliers. The Computer System includes computer hardware, software, the POS System, inventory control systems, and high-speed network connections. The Audio/Visual Package includes speakers, cabling, mounts, and other related equipment.
Bft maintains a list of Approved Suppliers, which is provided to franchisees through the Learning Management System or in writing. This list may be updated or modified by Bft as deemed appropriate. While price is a factor in evaluating and approving suppliers, it is not the only factor, and Bft's designation of an Approved Supplier does not guarantee the lowest prices.
If a franchisee wishes to purchase a product or service from an alternate source that Bft requires to be purchased from an Approved Supplier, the franchisee must obtain prior written approval from Bft. The franchisee may be required to pay an evaluation fee and cover Bft's costs incurred in evaluating the request. Bft may also require the alternative supplier to sign a non-disclosure agreement with respect to any Confidential Information disclosed.
Bft may designate itself or its affiliates as an Approved Supplier for any item a franchisee must purchase in the future. Bft and its affiliates may also receive payments or other compensation from Approved Suppliers due to these suppliers' dealings with Bft, its franchisees, or other Studios in the System, such as rebates, commissions, or other forms of compensation.