What computer equipment is a Christian Brothers Automotive franchisee required to purchase?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase and maintain an electronic point of sale cash register system to record gross sales and transaction data. CBAC requires that you purchase the following computer equipment: Shop Management Software accounting software (designated by CBAC) and approximately eight (8) personal computers, four (4) tablet computers, two (2) multi-function printers, and additional computer accessories as needed (Item 7, Note 3). We will have the right to access all information and financial data recorded by the system for audit and sales verification purposes. The approximate initial cost to you for this equipment is $23,100, which is included in the initial equipment cost estimate. We reserve the right to change our specifications in the future to take advantage of technological advances or to adapt the system to meet operational needs and changes. We may require you to bring any computer hardware and software, related peripheral equipment and communications systems into conformity with our then-current standards. We will endeavor to keep these changes infrequent and reasonable in cost, but the Franchise Agreement does not impose a limit as to the number or cost of such changes to the computer equipment.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 40–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Christian Brothers Automotive's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase and maintain an electronic point of sale cash register system to record gross sales and transaction data. Christian Brothers Automotive requires franchisees to purchase Shop Management Software accounting software (designated by Christian Brothers Automotive), approximately eight personal computers, four tablet computers, two multi-function printers, and additional computer accessories as needed. The franchisor has the right to access all information and financial data recorded by the system for audit and sales verification purposes. The approximate initial cost for this equipment is $23,100, which is included in the initial equipment cost estimate.
Christian Brothers Automotive reserves the right to change their specifications in the future to take advantage of technological advances or to adapt the system to meet operational needs and changes. They may require franchisees to bring any computer hardware and software, related peripheral equipment, and communications systems into conformity with their then-current standards.
Christian Brothers Automotive states that they will endeavor to keep these changes infrequent and reasonable in cost; however, the Franchise Agreement does not impose a limit as to the number or cost of such changes to the computer equipment. This means that while Christian Brothers Automotive intends to be reasonable, there is no contractual guarantee that costs for upgrades or changes will be capped, representing a potential financial risk for franchisees if significant system updates are mandated.