Does Brain Balance require franchisees to use a specific supplier for computer hardware?
Brain_Balance Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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Technology Requirements
The Franchise Agreement requires you, at your expense, to purchase or lease, and maintain, the computer hardware and software, dedicated telephone, cable, and communications capabilities, and power lines, modem(s), printer(s), tablet(s), and other computer related accessories or peripheral equipment that we specify in the Operations Manual. The computer hardware is not proprietary property of BBF and may be purchased from any supplier, provided it meets BBF's specifications. You will need an iPad/Android tablet(s) with a minimum screen size of 12" and not older than 5 years to access our applications with Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity. You will need a Google Chrome Web Browser in its most recent version (note: Google Chrome is the only web browser we support, other web browsers may or may not work). We estimate the cost of purchasing the computer system will range from $24,000 to $27,000 for a Standard Center and range from $15,000 to $20,000 for a Satellite Center.
You need to have access to the Internet with a minimum download speed of 50 MB per second. You also are required to have up to date virus protection software on all PC or Mac computers. Any associated costs with connectivity, router, wireless access point, firewall, anti-virus software, and hardware are your responsibility. Specific details regarding hardware and software requirements are included in the Operations Manual. We do not have any obligation, nor have we contracted with any third parties, to provide any ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to your computer hardware system.
Computer(s) and tablet(s) are used for recording client data and other recordkeeping and central functions. We maintain a central application into which information from all Centers' computers are transmitted. You must also install, maintain, and upgrade during the term of the Franchise Agreement an Internet connection and a Brain Balance Center domain email account for your Center. You must use this email address for all email communication between you, your staff, and us. The Software Agreement specifies that you use the most recent version of Google Chrome.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEM, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are not required to purchase computer hardware from a specific supplier. The FDD states that franchisees can purchase computer hardware from any supplier, provided it meets Brain Balance's specifications outlined in the Operations Manual.
Brain Balance requires franchisees to purchase or lease and maintain computer hardware and software, dedicated telephone, cable, and communications capabilities. This also includes power lines, modem(s), printer(s), tablet(s), and other computer-related accessories or peripheral equipment. Franchisees will need an iPad/Android tablet(s) with a minimum screen size of 12" and not older than 5 years to access Brain Balance's applications with Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity. The franchisee will also need a Google Chrome Web Browser in its most recent version.
The estimated cost of purchasing the computer system ranges from $24,000 to $27,000 for a Standard Center and $15,000 to $20,000 for a Satellite Center. Franchisees must have access to the Internet with a minimum download speed of 50 MB per second and up-to-date virus protection software on all PC or Mac computers. The franchisee is responsible for any associated costs with connectivity, router, wireless access point, firewall, anti-virus software, and hardware.
While franchisees can choose their hardware supplier, they must use Brain Balance's email system to ensure secure and consistent communication. Each center will be assigned a primary email address along with two additional accounts. Franchisees are also required to license the software/application required for their center by executing the Application License Agreement. This agreement requires payment of an initial license fee and annual maintenance fees.