What computer equipment is Christian Brothers Automotive required to provide support for?
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.
The software that will be provided by CBAC and used to operate your CBA franchise include a shop management system, an accounting software suite, associated middleware, a client communication system, an automotive animations library, an online training platform with relevant content, website hosting, SEO management, a phone call tracking platform, email accounts and cloud document suite, network equipment updates and warranty services, PCI compliance services, an antivirus protection software, remote support agents, and required client access licenses at the approximate upfront cost of $1,650 and the approximate ongoing cost of $10,500 annually, plus data overages. Costs are subject to change and will vary depending on the underlying vendors' current prices. The fees for software purchases are refundable prior to store opening.
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 are required to purchase and maintain an electronic point of sale cash register system to record gross sales and transaction data. Christian Brothers Automotive mandates the purchase of specific computer equipment, including 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 approximate initial cost for this equipment is $23,100, which is included in the initial equipment cost estimate.
Christian Brothers Automotive retains the right to access all information and financial data recorded by the system for audit and sales verification purposes. This allows them to monitor the franchisee's performance and ensure compliance with the franchise agreement. Christian Brothers Automotive also reserves the right to change the specifications of the required computer equipment in the future to adapt to technological advancements or operational needs.
While Christian Brothers Automotive will endeavor to keep these changes infrequent and reasonable in cost, the Franchise Agreement does not impose a limit as to the number or cost of such changes to the computer equipment. This means that franchisees may be required to upgrade or replace their computer systems periodically, potentially incurring additional expenses. The software provided by Christian Brothers Automotive to operate the franchise includes a shop management system, an accounting software suite, associated middleware, a client communication system, an automotive animations library, an online training platform with relevant content, website hosting, SEO management, a phone call tracking platform, email accounts and cloud document suite, network equipment updates and warranty services, PCI compliance services, an antivirus protection software, remote support agents, and required client access licenses at the approximate upfront cost of $1,650 and the approximate ongoing cost of $10,500 annually, plus data overages. Costs are subject to change and will vary depending on the underlying vendors' current prices. The fees for software purchases are refundable prior to store opening.