Who bears the expense of updating the Computer System for a Bumble Roofing franchise?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Software and Computer Equipment
Currently, you must have or purchase a personal computer ("Hardware") which runs on a Windows or Macintosh operating system. Your computer must also have Microsoft Office XP Professional or a more recent version installed and operating and the web-based resource center software ("Software"). The Hardware and Software are referred to as the "Computer System." You must update your Computer System, at your expense, as we may require periodically to meet our specifications as they evolve. There are no contractual limitations on the frequency and cost of your obligations to upgrade or update the Computer System. Upgrades, in some cases, may only be available through our suppliers. We may change the designated suppliers occasionally on written notice to you. Neither we nor any supplier has any obligation under the Franchise Agreement to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to the Computer System. We estimate the cost of optional or required maintenance, updates and upgrades will be $0 to $500 per year. In addition, you must pay us a monthly Technology Fee (currently $345 per month) for access to our designated technology package, and 4 Microsoft Exchange email addresses. In addition, you must pay us or our designated third-party supplier all initial software license fees for any software you are required to use in the operation of your Roofing Business. We may charge the fees described in this paragraph at any
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 30–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the expenses associated with updating the Computer System. The FDD specifies that franchisees must update their Computer Systems to meet Bumble Roofing's evolving specifications, and these updates are to be done at the franchisee's own expense. There are no contractual limitations regarding the frequency or cost of these required upgrades or updates. Bumble Roofing estimates that the cost of optional or required maintenance, updates, and upgrades will range from $0 to $500 per year.
In addition to update costs, franchisees must also pay a monthly Technology Fee of $345 for access to Bumble Roofing's designated technology package, which includes 4 Microsoft Exchange email addresses. Franchisees are also responsible for all initial software license fees for any software required to operate their Bumble Roofing business. Bumble Roofing retains the right to change these fees at any time with a 30-day written notice.
This arrangement means that a Bumble Roofing franchisee needs to budget not only for the initial Computer System, estimated between $800 and $2,000 if they don't already have a suitable one, but also for ongoing maintenance, updates, and technology fees. The franchisee bears the risk of unexpected costs if Bumble Roofing requires frequent or expensive updates to the Computer System. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, where franchisees often bear the cost of technology upgrades to maintain brand standards and operational efficiency.