Is a Caring Transitions franchisee required to purchase and install a Communication and Information System?
Caring_Transitions Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.4 Fixtures and Furnishings.
Franchisee, at its own expense, shall purchase and install, the Communication and Information System as specified in Section 7.15 below, and all fixtures, furnishings, signs, and other equipment as may be specified by the System Standards from time to time; and shall not permit the installation of any fixtures, furnishings, signs, or other equipment not conforming to the System Standards.
(a) As used in this agreement, the term "Communication and Information System" shall mean: hardware (including, without limitation, one or more computers and/or other computer components); software designed for the management and operation of the franchised business, as well as reporting and sharing information with Franchisor; and communication systems (including, without limitation, digital and analog modems, satellite, cable, and other systems).
(b) Franchisee shall lease and/or purchase its Communication and Information System only from such vendor or vendors or supplier that Franchisor has approved in writing pursuant to the provisions of Section 7.5 above.
Franchisee shall not install, or permit to be installed, any
devices, software or other programs not approved by Franchisor for use with the Communication and Information System.
- (c) Franchisor may from time to time develop or authorize others to develop proprietary software programs or websites for use in the System, which Franchisee may be required to purchase and/or license, and use, in connection with the franchised business.
Franchisee agrees that it shall execute any license, sublicense, or maintenance agreement required by Franchisor or any other approved licensor or approved vendor of such proprietary software programs or websites.
(d) Franchisee shall upgrade and update its Communication and Information System in the manner, and when, specified by Franchisor in writing, in accordance with Section 9.3 below.
(e) Franchisee shall have the sole and complete responsibility for the manner in which Franchisee's Communication and Information System interfaces with other systems, including those of Franchisor and other third parties, as well as any and all consequences that may arise if Franchisee's Communication and Information System is not properly operated, maintained, and upgraded.
(f) Franchisee shall: (1) promptly enter, into its Communication and Information System, and maintain all information required to be entered and maintained by Franchisor; (2) provide to Franchisor such reports as Franchisor may reasonably request from the data so collected and maintained; and (3) permit Franchisor to access Franchisee's Communication and Information System at all times via the Internet, modem or any other means specified by Franchisor.
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 41–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Caring Transitions' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase and install a Communication and Information System. This system includes hardware like computers, software for managing the business and sharing information with Caring Transitions, and communication systems such as modems. Franchisees must acquire this system from vendors approved in writing by Caring Transitions.
The FDD specifies that franchisees cannot install any unauthorized devices or software with the Communication and Information System. Caring Transitions may also introduce proprietary software or websites that franchisees are required to purchase, license, and use. Franchisees must also agree to any license, sublicense, or maintenance agreements required by Caring Transitions or its approved vendors.
Caring Transitions franchisees are responsible for keeping their Communication and Information System updated as directed by Caring Transitions. They also bear the responsibility for how their system interacts with other systems, including those of Caring Transitions and third parties, and any issues arising from improper operation or maintenance. Franchisees must enter and maintain required information in the system, provide reports to Caring Transitions, and allow Caring Transitions access to the system at all times.