What is the estimated cost to purchase the required point-of-sale and computer systems for a Chocolate Bash franchise?
Chocolate_Bash Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
and Computer Systems
We require you to buy (or lease) and use a point-of-sale system and computer system as follows:
Toast POS + Required Apps One Computer QuickBooks or Related Bookkeeping System
The system provides management tools, operating systems and required platforms to manage the day to day business with. These systems will generate or store data such as customer contact data, financial data and inventory data to operate the business.
We estimate that these systems will cost between $1,000 a
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 19–25)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Chocolate Bash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost to purchase the required point-of-sale (POS) and computer systems ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. These systems include Toast POS with required apps, one computer, and QuickBooks or a related bookkeeping system. These systems are essential for managing day-to-day business operations, including customer contact data, financial data, and inventory management.
Chocolate Bash franchisees are required to buy or lease these systems and must use them as specified by the franchisor. While Chocolate Bash provides the initial system requirements, they are not obligated to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates. However, franchisees are obligated to upgrade or update their systems whenever Chocolate Bash determines it is necessary, and there is no contractual limit on the frequency or cost of these required updates.
In addition to the initial purchase cost, franchisees should also budget for potential maintenance, updating, upgrading, or support contracts. The FDD estimates these annual costs to be between $100 and $250 per month, depending on the level of support chosen. Furthermore, Chocolate Bash requires independent access to the data generated and stored within these systems, including sales, customer data, and reports, without any contractual limitations on their access rights. This highlights the importance of budgeting not only for the initial investment but also for ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to remain compliant with Chocolate Bash's requirements.