What is included in the software suite that Christian Brothers Automotive provides to franchisees?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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. See Item 5 and Item 7 for more information about the equipment, furniture and software that will be needed to operate the franchise.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 33–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise Disclosure Document, the software suite provided to franchisees includes a comprehensive set of tools necessary for managing and operating the business. This suite encompasses a shop management system to streamline operations, an accounting software suite for financial tracking, and associated middleware to ensure seamless integration between systems. Additionally, Christian Brothers Automotive provides a client communication system to facilitate effective customer interactions, an automotive animations library for visual aids, and an online training platform with relevant content to support ongoing staff development.
Furthermore, the software suite extends to include website hosting and SEO management to enhance online visibility, a phone call tracking platform for monitoring communication effectiveness, and email accounts along with a cloud document suite for efficient data management. Christian Brothers Automotive also provides network equipment updates and warranty services to maintain system integrity, PCI compliance services to ensure secure transactions, and antivirus protection software to safeguard against cyber threats. Remote support agents are available to assist with technical issues, and the suite includes required client access licenses.
The upfront cost for this software suite is approximately $1,650, with an ongoing annual cost of approximately $10,500, plus potential data overages. These costs are subject to change based on the underlying vendors' current pricing. It is important to note that the fees for software purchases are refundable prior to the store opening, providing some financial flexibility for new franchisees. This comprehensive software package is a crucial component of the Christian Brothers Automotive franchise system, designed to support efficient operations and enhance the customer experience.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that Christian Brothers Automotive may add or delete items which must be purchased through them, or vendors from whom they must be purchased at any time, including after the site for the CBA franchise has been selected. All costs are subject to change. Therefore, it is essential for potential franchisees to stay informed about any updates or modifications to the software requirements and associated costs.