If Cool Binz develops COOL BINZ Software, is a franchisee required to use it?
Cool_Binz Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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During the term of the franchise agreement, you must maintain the computer hardware necessary to implement the COOL BINZ Software and any Required Software, and comply with all specifications and standards prescribed by us regarding the COOL BINZ Software and any Required Software as provided in the Operations Manuals, System Standards or otherwise in writing. We reserve the right to create additional proprietary software programs (to be included as part of the Required Software), which you must use in connection with the COOL BINZ Business. The Required Software, including the COOL BINZ Software, will be our proprietary product, and the information collected therefrom will be deemed our confidential information.
You are required to participate in any System-wide computer network, intranet system, or extranet system that we implement and may be required by us to use such computer network, intranet system, or extranet system to, among other things: (i) submit your reports due under the Franchise Agreement to us online; (ii) view and print portions of the System Standards and Operations Manuals, including any updates or modifications thereto; (iii) download approved local advertising materials; (iv) communicate with us and other COOL BINZ franchisees; and (v) to complete any initial or ongoing training. You agree to use the facilities of any such computer network, intranet system or extranet system in strict compliance with the standards, protocols, and restrictions that we include in the System Standards and/or Operations Manuals, including those related to the encryption of confidential information and prohibitions against the transmission of libelous, derogatory or defamatory statements.
As technology advances, you may be required to upgrade your hardware to meet changing software requirements as we deem necessary. COOL BINZ Software is web-based and we do not charge you for software updates and upgrades at this time. We may require you to upgrade your computer hardware, software and web-based applications in our sole discretion and at your expense. We may require you to update or upgrade your Computer System at any time during the term of the franchise agreement. There is no limit on our frequency to do so, or the cost of your obligation to maintain, upgrade and update the Computer Systems in conformance with our requirements.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 36–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cool Binz's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if Cool Binz develops COOL BINZ Software, franchisees are generally required to use it. Cool Binz has the right, but not the obligation, to develop computer software programs, including COOL BINZ Software, that franchisees must use in connection with the Computer System. Franchisees are responsible for the payment of all fees associated with the Required Software (including the COOL BINZ Software).
Cool Binz may create additional proprietary software programs to be included as part of the Required Software, which franchisees must use in connection with their business. Franchisees must also maintain the necessary computer hardware to implement the COOL BINZ Software and any Required Software, complying with all specifications and standards prescribed by Cool Binz.
Until Cool Binz develops COOL BINZ Software, franchisees are required to use Cool Binz's designated software for business management, which will be detailed in the Operations Manual, System Standards or otherwise in writing, unless Cool Binz approves an alternate software supplier. Franchisees are also required to use Cool Binz's then-current designated accounting software, which is currently QuickBooks Online, which is subject to change. In addition, franchisees are required to follow Cool Binz's specified chart of accounts. Cool Binz has the right to change these requirements at its discretion.