What is the initial cost range to purchase the Computer Infrastructure Package for a Brightstar Care franchise?
Brightstar_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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The initial cost to purchase the Computer Infrastructure Package will range from $4,000 to $9,500. The monthly maintenance, repair, or upgrade of the Athena Business System and any annual cost to you for any optional or required maintenance, support, upgrades and updates to that system are covered by the Athena Business System Monthly Service Fee. By contrast, all hardware and computer network maintenance and upgrades of other software are your responsibility and must be done in a timely manner. There are no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of upgrades or changes in the Computer Infrastructure Package, including software we may impose. Upgrades could cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more annually. This cost may be controlled by leasing the Computer Infrastructure Package on relatively short-term leases
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 47–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brightstar Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial cost to purchase the Computer Infrastructure Package ranges from $4,000 to $9,500. This package includes items such as desktop computers or laptops, software, network accessories, a printer, and installation services. It also includes systems and software hosted by BrightStar Technology Group, such as the Athena Business System and Microsoft Dynamics GP accounting software.
Brightstar Care requires franchisees to use the specified Computer Infrastructure Package, including the Athena Business System, but may allow the use of alternative payroll software if a written request is approved. Franchisees are responsible for the maintenance and support of their local computer equipment and mobile devices. The monthly maintenance, repair, or upgrade of the Athena Business System, as well as any annual costs for optional or required maintenance, support, upgrades, and updates to that system, are covered by the Athena Business System Monthly Service Fee.
However, franchisees should also be aware that there are no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of upgrades or changes to the Computer Infrastructure Package, including software that Brightstar Care may impose. Upgrades could cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more annually. To manage these costs, Brightstar Care suggests leasing the Computer Infrastructure Package on short-term leases, which is a common practice in the industry.