Is City Wide or its affiliate a Required Supplier for Technology Systems and IT Services?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We, or our affiliate, is a Required Supplier for each of your Technology Systems (defined below) and for the IT Services (defined below).
You will acquire and maintain a license per user for the CITY WIDE financial reporting and budgeting platform, CITY WIDE Bid Module, specified business intelligence and reporting software, and operations platform software programs from CITY WIDE only for use in your franchise office. You will subscribe to the CITY WIDE monthly technology development program outlined in ITEM 11.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 24–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, City Wide or its affiliate is a required supplier for Technology Systems and IT Services. The FDD specifies that franchisees must purchase Technology Systems and IT Services directly from City Wide or its affiliate.
This requirement means that franchisees do not have the option to choose their own vendors for these critical services. While this ensures standardization across the City Wide system, it also means franchisees are dependent on City Wide for the quality and cost of these services. Franchisees should evaluate whether City Wide's offerings meet their needs and expectations, as they are obligated to use them.
Furthermore, the FDD states that franchisees must acquire and maintain licenses from City Wide for the financial reporting and budgeting platform, Bid Module, business intelligence and reporting software, and operations platform software programs. Franchisees are also required to subscribe to the City Wide monthly technology development program. These stipulations reinforce the reliance on City Wide for technology-related services and platforms, which are essential for managing the franchise effectively. Prospective franchisees should consider these ongoing technology costs and requirements when assessing the overall investment and operational aspects of a City Wide franchise.