Who is the designated vendor for phone services for a Caring Senior Service franchise?
Caring_Senior_Service Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must use the phone and computer system that we specify or approve in connection with the Franchised Business. Each franchise location must have three VOIP phones, and one electronic fax line. The phone hardware is supplied by us and the related services are provided by our designated vendor, Twilio, Inc. The current cost for your phone, fax, and virtual lines is approximately $150 per month and is included in the Technology Fee. Each computer must have a high-speed internet connection. Our specific requirements for your computer system will be included in the Operations Manual or otherwise in writing and are subject to change as technology changes. Currently you must have four Windows compatible computers, high speed internet with a dedicated IP address, one multifunction printer as approved by us, Tendio™ software, one router, and one WiFi access point. We will provide you with the Tendio™ software at no additional charge, but you must pay our monthly Technology Fee, currently $1,045 per month, and execute the Software License and Maintenance Agreement enclosed in this disclosure document as Exhibit H. The cost of the computer and phone systems is currently $3,685.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 25–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Caring Senior Service FDD, franchisees must use a phone and computer system that Caring Senior Service specifies or approves. Each franchise location is required to have three VOIP phones and one electronic fax line. The phone hardware is supplied by Caring Senior Service, and the related services are provided by their designated vendor, Twilio, Inc.
The current cost for phone, fax, and virtual lines is approximately $150 per month, which is included in the Technology Fee. In addition to the phone system, franchisees must have computers with high-speed internet connections. The specific requirements for the computer system are detailed in the Operations Manual or in writing and are subject to change as technology evolves. Currently, franchisees need four Windows-compatible computers, high-speed internet with a dedicated IP address, one multifunction printer approved by Caring Senior Service, Tendio™ software, one router, and one WiFi access point.
The cost of the computer and phone systems is currently $3,685. Caring Senior Service provides access to their computer systems for the franchisee and three additional employees. Additional users can be added to the network at a cost of $100 per person per month. This access includes Microsoft Office Suite, and the license fees are covered by the Technology Fee. The franchisee's license for QuickBooks Online is also paid through the Technology Fee. Franchisees are not required to have an on-site maintenance contract for their computer system, and the cost of such a contract is not estimated by Caring Senior Service, as it depends on the contract type, provider rates, and contract term.