From whom must a Budget franchisee buy certain hardware, software, and communications utilized in connecting to Wizard, according to the Budget FDD?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Budget requires you to execute the Rental System Agreement with ABCR, which agreement provides for all reservation and back office functionalities to your Budget Franchise. Under the Rental System Agreement you must buy certain hardware, software, and communications utilized in connecting to Wizard only from Approved Suppliers (see Item 11). In connection with a Thin Client infrastructure providing you with PCI compliant access to the Wizard System, the Thin Client Terminals must be purchased from an Approved Supplier through ABCR. The fee collected from you is forwarded to the supplier. (Schedule B to the Rental System Agreement and Schedule 4 of the Administrative Services Addendum). Additionally, the Site Surveys must be purchased only from Approved Suppliers.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 32–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must purchase certain hardware, software, and communications equipment used to connect to the Wizard system from Approved Suppliers. These suppliers are pre-approved by Budget. The franchisee is required to execute a Rental System Agreement with ABCR, which manages the Wizard system.
Specifically, the Thin Client Terminals, which provide PCI compliant access to the Wizard System, must be purchased from an Approved Supplier through ABCR. The fees collected by ABCR are then forwarded to the supplier. Additionally, Site Surveys must also be purchased exclusively from Approved Suppliers.
This requirement ensures that all Budget locations use compatible and compliant technology for accessing the Wizard system. This is a common practice in franchising, where franchisors mandate specific suppliers to maintain quality control and system-wide compatibility. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the list of Approved Suppliers and understand the costs associated with purchasing the required hardware and software.