Is purchasing a software license for Quickbooks required for a City Publications franchise?

According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, purchasing a software license for Quickbooks is required. Item 7 outlines the estimated initial investment for a City Publications franchise, which includes a line item for "Required Software." The cost for this software is estimated to be between $500 and $2,000, payable to third parties as incurred.

This requirement means that prospective franchisees must budget for this expense when starting their City Publications business. The FDD specifies that further details about the software are available in Items 8 and 11, so franchisees should review those sections carefully to understand the software's capabilities and how it integrates with the City Publications business model. Understanding the functionality of the software and how it will be used in the day-to-day operations of the franchise is crucial.

Franchisees should also inquire about any training or support provided for the Quickbooks software. While the initial franchise fee covers training, it is important to confirm whether Quickbooks training is included or if it requires additional costs. Additionally, franchisees should verify if they can use their own accounting software instead of Quickbooks. If not, they should understand why Quickbooks is specifically required and what benefits it offers over alternative solutions.