What is the approximate cost range for the Computer Systems that Circle K may require?
Circle_K Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
quire you to use Verifone or Radiant for the EPOS System. The EPOS System currently costs about $38,000 to $45,000.
In addition to the EPOS System, we may require you to install a back-office computer system, including both hardware and software (currently SSCS), or other existing or future communication or data storage systems (collectively "Computer Systems"), meeting our standards, as modified from time to time in response to business operations and marketing conditions. These Computer Systems may include hardware and software components and require you to attend training, purchase on-going support and perform periodic upgrades. The Computer Systems currently cost approximately $13,000 to $15,000. The
Computer Systems will be used to assist you in the operation of your Store and may allow you to perform such functions as preparing reports, organizing inventory, communicating via e-mail, e-training and accessing the Internet. You will be responsible for all costs associated with any Computer Systems we require you to install, including those relating to software licenses, training, on-going support and upgrades. We have the right to require you to purchase the Computer Systems from a single source or sources we designate. Regardless of whether we require you to install any Computer Systems, you must have, at all times, access to the internet through an established service provider and maintain an active e-mail account on the internet at your Store and keep us informed of the e-mail address for your account.
Neither we, nor any affiliate or third party, is obligated to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates for the EPOS System or Computer Systems. We currently do not require you to purchase a maintenance, repair, upgrade or update service contract for the EPOS System or Computer Systems, but we reserve the right to do so in the future. The current annual cost of a service contract for the EPOS System is $2,400 to $3,600 and $1,800 to $3,000 for the Computer Systems.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you are in compliance with all laws that are applicable to the EPOS System or other technology used in the operation of your Store, including all data protection or security laws as well as PCI compliance.
You must enter into a Software Agreement with us or our affiliates and pay a monthly maintenance and support fee to us or our affiliates for the use and upgrades of your TMC Software. Currently there is no fee being char
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 60–72)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Circle K's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to install a back-office computer system, referred to as "Computer Systems," which includes both hardware and software. The FDD specifies that the Computer Systems currently cost approximately $13,000 to $15,000. These systems are intended to assist in store operations, enabling functions such as report preparation, inventory management, and communication via email and internet access.
Prospective Circle K franchisees are responsible for covering all costs associated with the Computer Systems, including software licenses, training, ongoing support, and periodic upgrades. Circle K retains the right to mandate that franchisees purchase these systems from designated sources. Even if Computer Systems are not required, franchisees must maintain internet access and an active email account at their store.
In addition to the initial cost, franchisees should be aware of potential ongoing expenses. While Circle K is not currently obligated to provide maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates for the Computer Systems, they reserve the right to require franchisees to purchase a service contract in the future. The current annual cost for a service contract for the Computer Systems is $1,800 to $3,000. Franchisees must also comply with all applicable laws related to the EPOS system or other technology used in their store's operation, including data protection, security laws, and PCI compliance.
Furthermore, franchisees must enter into a Software Agreement with Circle K or its affiliates and may be required to pay a monthly maintenance and support fee for the use and upgrades of their TMC Software. Although there is currently no fee associated with this agreement, Circle K reserves the right to implement one with sixty days' written notice. These factors highlight the importance of carefully considering both the initial and ongoing technology-related costs when evaluating a Circle K franchise.