What is the required use of the smart phone for a City Publications business?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ter System/Point-of-Sale System
As referenced in ITEM 7 above, we require you to purchase and utilize the current versions of the following computer software:
- Latest version of QuickBooks Pro
- Most current Windows or MAC operating system
- MS Office Excel, Word, Outlook
- Smart Phone (only to be used for City Publications Business, must have professional City Publications greetings)
- Adobe Acrobat Professional
In addition, you must purchase and utilize computer hardware which will permit you to operate the required software. The computer hardware you use must be IBM or MAC compatible, but we do not currently impose any other specifications for computer hardware or software. We suggest that you have a laptop computer and your will need a color laser printer.
We require you to purchase and begin using any version upgrades to the specified software within 6 months of the upgraded version's availability. We also require you to update your computer's CPU and your printer at least every 3 years. We estimate that you will spend approximately $1,500 to purchase the computer hardware and software, and should expect to spend approximately $1,000 per year
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 19–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to have a smart phone. The smart phone is to be used only for City Publications business and must have professional City Publications greetings. This requirement ensures that franchisees have a dedicated communication device for business purposes and maintain a consistent, professional image when interacting with clients and the public.
In addition to the smart phone, City Publications requires franchisees to purchase and utilize the current versions of specific computer software, including the latest version of QuickBooks Pro, the most current Windows or MAC operating system, MS Office Excel, Word, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat Professional. Franchisees must also purchase and utilize computer hardware which will permit them to operate the required software. The computer hardware must be IBM or MAC compatible. City Publications suggests that franchisees have a laptop computer and a color laser printer.
City Publications requires franchisees to purchase and begin using any version upgrades to the specified software within 6 months of the upgraded version's availability. Franchisees are also required to update their computer's CPU and printer at least every 3 years. The estimated initial cost for the computer hardware and software is approximately $1,500, with ongoing expenses of approximately $1,000 per year for updates, upgrades, and upkeep. These technology requirements are typical in modern franchise systems to ensure franchisees can effectively manage their business operations and maintain brand standards.