Are Bft franchisees required to use the POS system and software that Bft requires?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Approved Supplier does not mean that such Approved Supplier's prices will be lower than those of other suppliers.
Currently, we have Approved Suppliers for the following items that you must purchase in connection with the establishment and/or operation of your Studio: (i) Pre-Sales and Soft Opening Retail Inventory Kit, as well as
certain other ongoing inventory items; (ii) the Fitness Equipment & Initial FF&E Package; (iii) the Pre-Opening Instructor Training that your instructors must complete to become Authorized Instructors (and related materials); (iv) certain other exercise equipment/supplies; (v) Audio / Visual Package; (vi) insurance coverage (subject to applicable law where the Studio is located); (vii) shipping and installation services; (viii) training materials associated with the Fundamentals Training Program and the Pre-Opening Instructor Training; and (ix) the POS System and then-current software we require you to use in connection with that POS System and your Studio, including, without limitation, any software and technology we determine to provide to you as part of our System in connection with your then-current Technology Fee.
We may develop proprietary products for use in your Studio, including private-label products that bear our Marks, and require you to purchase these items from us or our affiliate(s).
If you wish to purchase a product or service that we require you to purchase from an Approved Supplier from an alternate source, then you must obtain our prior written approval as outlined more fully in this Item. We may provide our standards and specifications for our Approved Products and Approved Services directly to our Approved Suppliers, and may provide these standards and specifications to an alternative supplier you propose if: (i) we approve the supplier in writing as outlined more fully in this Item; and (ii) the alternative supplier agrees to sign our prescribed form of non-disclosure agreement with respect to any Confidential Information we disclose.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 32–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use the POS system and software that Bft mandates. Specifically, franchisees must purchase the computer system that Bft specifies, which includes computer hardware, software, the POS system, inventory control systems, and high-speed network connections. This system, along with the audio-visual equipment, must be purchased from Bft's approved suppliers.
Bft also requires franchisees to sign any software license agreements required by Bft or the software licensor, as well as any related software maintenance agreements. This ensures that all franchisees are using the same standardized systems for point of sale, inventory management, and other critical business functions. The computer system is further detailed in Item 11 of the FDD.
This requirement ensures uniformity across all Bft franchise locations, allowing for better data tracking, customer service, and brand consistency. While franchisees are obligated to use the specified POS system and software, they also have the option to request approval for alternate suppliers, though this is subject to Bft's written consent and evaluation process. Franchisees should be aware of these requirements and the associated costs when considering a Bft franchise.