What does the one-time $320 Wizard Access Charge for Budget cover?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
twork devices
Hardware Based Firewalls. The following products are approved for use as firewalls for networks of any size:
- Firewall-1, Checkpoint Software (including Nokia versions)
- PIX/ASA, Cisco
- SonicWALL
- Juniper Networks Firewall(s)
- Firebox, Watchguard
Anti-Malware software. The following products are approved for the prevention, detection and removal of computer viruses and other malware:
- Symantec Internet Protection
- Norton 360 v2.0 or greater
- Trend Micco
- VirusScan, McAfee
- Sophos AntiVirus
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite
"Personal" Intrusion Detection Systems. The following products are approved for use as network intrusion detection systems:
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee will have to pay a one-time fee of $320 for each workstation connected to the Wizard System via the Internet, including Thin Client Terminals. This one-time fee covers the WebWiz client software and telephone support to set up the connection to the Data Center.
This fee is separate from the monthly fee per workstation connected to the Wizard System via the Internet, which is $18. The monthly fee covers the file server and backup server, the software required to operate servers, software maintenance, and support by Data Center personnel for server equipment. Each workstation will have a maximum of four sessions (two display sessions and two printer sessions).
It is important to note that this $320 fee is a one-time charge, meaning it is not recurring. However, franchisees should budget for this expense for each workstation they intend to connect to the Wizard System. The Wizard System is critical for processing transactions, so understanding the costs associated with accessing it is essential for a prospective Budget franchisee.