Are the software fees and charges paid to Christian Brothers Automotive subject to change?
Christian_Brothers_Automotive Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(d) Software Fees. 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, the software fees and charges are subject to change at Christian Brothers Automotive's discretion. Christian Brothers Automotive may provide franchisees with software such as point-of-sale, accounting, and internet failover software, in return for fees. These fees are established at Christian Brothers Automotive's discretion and are detailed in the Confidential Operations Manual or in writing. Franchisees are also responsible for annual licensing or maintenance fees, which are also determined by Christian Brothers Automotive.
All software-related fees and charges are non-refundable and can be changed by Christian Brothers Automotive at any time. Additionally, Christian Brothers Automotive has the right to modify or discontinue any software provided to franchisees.
This policy gives Christian Brothers Automotive considerable flexibility in managing its software offerings and associated costs. For a prospective franchisee, this means that the costs associated with software could increase over time, impacting their operating expenses. It is important to regularly review the Confidential Operations Manual or any written communication from Christian Brothers Automotive to stay informed about potential changes to these fees. Franchisees should factor in the possibility of increased software costs when budgeting and forecasting their business expenses.