Is there any limitation on the frequency or cost of a Buona franchisee's obligation to upgrade or replace their POS and computer systems?
Buona Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
imitation on our right to receive or use information we obtain from your Buona Business. (Franchise Agreement, Section 10.8)
To ensure full operational efficiency and optimum communication capability, you must, at your expense, keep your POS and computer systems in good condition, and promptly install all additions, changes, modifications, substitutions or replacements to hardware, software, and other computer-related facilities, as we may direct from time to time. There is no limitation on the frequency or cost of your obligation to upgrade or replace your POS and computer systems. Neither we nor any affiliate have any ongoing obligation to provide ongoing maintenance, upgrades or updates to your computer system. You must obtain and pay for your own technical support for the computer system. The estimated annual cost to maintain the POS and computer systems is $1,200. You are also responsible for protection your POS and computer systems from virus, computer hackers and other computer-related and technology-related problems.
You must comply with all laws related to the operation of your Buona Business, including those related to data security and privacy and you must co
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 37–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buona's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no limitation on the frequency or cost for a franchisee's obligation to upgrade or replace their POS and computer systems. Buona requires franchisees to maintain their POS and computer systems in good condition and to promptly install any additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, or replacements as directed by Buona. The franchisee is responsible for these expenses.
Buona does not have any ongoing obligation to provide maintenance, upgrades, or updates to the computer system, and franchisees must obtain and pay for their own technical support. The estimated annual cost to maintain the POS and computer systems is $1,200. Additionally, franchisees are responsible for protecting their systems from viruses and complying with all laws related to data security, including payment card industry (PCI) standards, which are estimated to cost $125 per month.
Buona requires franchisees to purchase a designated POS system, currently the Brinks POS system, along with various web-based platforms and software for operations and marketing. The estimated monthly cost for required software and applications is $1,500. The initial cost for purchasing the POS system, related software, applications, installation, and the office computer system is estimated to be between $35,000 and $55,000. This lack of limitation on upgrade frequency or cost could pose a financial risk to franchisees if Buona frequently mandates expensive system changes.