Does Boulder Designs have an obligation to reimburse franchisees for any Computer System costs?
Boulder_Designs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 12.6.1 Consistent with the foregoing, among other things, Franchisor reserves the right periodically to undertake technology initiatives, the purpose of which would be enhance the technology associated with the franchise system including, without limitation, enhanced internet capability, use of proprietary digital applications and enhanced support services. Although Franchisor cannot estimate the future costs of the Computer System or required service or support, and although these costs might not be fully amortizable over the remaining term of this Agreement, Franchisee agrees to incur the costs of obtaining the computer hardware and software comprising the Computer System (or additions or modifications) and required service or support. Franchisor has no obligation to reimburse franchisee for any Computer System costs. As otherwise permitted in this Agreement, we may access the Computer System and retrieve all pertinent information relating to the operation of the Border Magic business in areas that we have the ability to control and/or remedy.
- 12.6.2 Notwithstanding the fact that franchisee must purchase, use, and maintain the Computer System consistent with our standards and specifications, franchisee will have sole and complete responsibility for: (1) the acquisition, operation, maintenance, updates and upgrading of the Computer System, including compliance with the standards that we periodically require; (2) the manner in which your Computer System interfaces with our computer system and those of other third parties; (3) the installation, maintenance and support of the Computer System, although Franchisor may from time to time require or recommend third parties to provide these functions; and (4) any and all consequences that may arise if the Computer System is not properly operated, maintained and upgraded, including but not limited to virus and spyware issues.
- 12.6.3 All of your Computer Systems must be compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards, including without limitation those laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards relating to privacy, data security, and the processing and protection of
confidential personal information, including without limitation the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and all other standards applicable to electronic payments that may be published from time to time by payment card companies.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Boulder Designs' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Boulder Designs has no obligation to reimburse franchisees for any Computer System costs. The FDD states that franchisees are responsible for the costs of obtaining the computer hardware and software, including any additions or modifications, as well as the required service and support. This includes technology initiatives to enhance the franchise system's technology, such as improved internet capability, proprietary digital applications, and enhanced support services.
Boulder Designs franchisees must purchase, use, and maintain the Computer System according to Boulder Designs' standards and specifications. The franchisee is solely responsible for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, updates, and upgrading of the Computer System, ensuring it interfaces correctly with Boulder Designs' and third-party systems. They are also responsible for the installation, maintenance, and support of the Computer System, and any consequences arising from improper operation, maintenance, or upgrades, including virus and spyware issues.
The Computer Systems used by Boulder Designs franchisees must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including those related to privacy, data security, and the protection of confidential personal information, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. Boulder Designs may access the Computer System to retrieve information related to the operation of the Border Magic business in areas they have the ability to control or remedy. Franchisees are also required to purchase an approved point of sale system (POS) through an approved supplier and are responsible for all ongoing upgrades, updates, maintenance, and software packages after installation.