Can Christian Brothers Automotive modify any software it provides to franchisees?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor may provide Franchisee with certain software, including, without limitation, point-of-sale software, accounting software, and internet failover software, in return for fees to be established in Franchisor's discretion and set forth in the Confidential Operations Manual or otherwise in writing, and payable by Franchisee. Related to the foregoing, Franchisor may further charge Franchisee for annual licensing or maintenance fees established in Franchisor's discretion and set forth in the Confidential Operations Manual or otherwise in writing, and payable by Franchisee. All fees and charges paid in accordance with this Section 4.03(d) are non-refundable, and subject to change in Franchisor's sole discretion.
Franchisor may modify any such software it provides or discontinue the provision of such software at any time.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 76–372)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christian Brothers Automotive Franchise Disclosure Document, Christian Brothers Automotive may provide franchisees with software such as point-of-sale, accounting, and internet failover software. In return, franchisees will pay fees that Christian Brothers Automotive will establish at its discretion, as detailed in the Confidential Operations Manual or in writing. Franchisees may also be charged annual licensing or maintenance fees, which are also established at Christian Brothers Automotive's discretion and outlined in the Confidential Operations Manual or in writing. All fees and charges are non-refundable and subject to change at Christian Brothers Automotive's sole discretion.
Christian Brothers Automotive retains the right to modify any software it provides to franchisees or even discontinue providing the software at any time. This gives Christian Brothers Automotive significant control over the technology used in the franchise operations.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that the software they rely on to run their business could change or be discontinued, potentially requiring them to adapt to new systems or find alternative solutions. It is important for a prospective franchisee to understand the potential costs and disruptions associated with such changes and to inquire about the typical frequency and nature of software modifications from Christian Brothers Automotive.