What phone and computer system must a Caring Senior Service franchisee use?
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.
We provide you and three additional employees access to our computer systems. Additional users can be added to the network at a cost of $100 per person per month. This access uses Windows PCs at the local level that connect to the server through the internet. We provide each user with access to Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook, the license fees for which are paid through the Technology Fee. Your license for QuickBooks Online is also paid to us through your Technology Fee.
We do not require you to have an on-site maintenance contract for your computer system. We cannot estimate the cost of an on-site service contract for your computer system, since the cost will depend on the type of contract you choose, the rates of your provider, and the length of the contract term. If you use other computer systems or equipment in connection with your business, you must pay an additional monthly service fee for connection to the network and use in the business. These fees are charged by our vendor and you must contract directly with them.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 25–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caring Senior Service's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must use a phone and computer system that Caring Senior Service specifies or approves. Each location needs three VOIP phones and one electronic fax line, with the phone hardware supplied by Caring Senior Service and services from their designated vendor, Twilio, Inc. The current cost for phone, fax, and virtual lines is approximately $150 per month, included in the Technology Fee. Each computer must have a high-speed internet connection.
The specific computer system requirements are detailed in the Operations Manual or in writing and can change with technology. 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. Caring Senior Service provides the Tendio™ software at no additional charge, but franchisees must pay a monthly Technology Fee of $1,045 and agree to the Software License and Maintenance Agreement. The initial cost of the computer and phone systems is currently $3,685.
Caring Senior Service provides access to its computer systems for the franchisee and three additional employees. More users can be added for $100 per person per month. This access uses Windows PCs that connect to the server via the internet. Each user gets access to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), with license fees covered by the Technology Fee. The QuickBooks Online license 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 in the FDD. If franchisees use other computer systems or equipment, they must pay an additional monthly service fee for network connection, contracting directly with Caring Senior Service's vendor.