Does Cornwell Quality Tools provide hardware and software to franchisees?
Cornwell_Quality_Tools Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Computer System.
You are required to acquire a laptop computer, bar code scanner and credit card signature pad from Cornwell (together, "the Hardware") for use on your truck. Cornwell will sell the Hardware to you at Cornwell's cost, now approximately $3,500. Cornwell will give you a $1,500 credit on your open account to offset your Hardware purchase expense. You will also be required to purchase or lease a compatible printer and wireless card. Should you wish to obtain additional computers, you are required to contact the IBN Support Desk to obtain specifications and requirements for them.
Cornwell will extend a three-year limited warranty on the Hardware to you, as well as pass through the Hardware manufacturer's limited warranties. Cornwell's warranty will be for support and repair or replacement of the Hardware. Cornwell will attempt to provide
support within 2 business hours of report of the issue and to provide loaned Hardware by overnight delivery while repair is attempted or until replacement Hardware is provided.
After the expiration of the Cornwell Hardware warranty period, or if you void the warranty by damage occurring to the Hardware that is not the fault of Cornwell, Cornwell will provide the same support, repair and replacement service, but at your cost. You will have the option of replacing any of the Hardware at your cost during or after the warranty period. The Hardware warranty then being extended by Cornwell will be made to you as to the new Hardware you purchase.
Cornwell will not make any profit on initial Hardware or on Hardware support, repair and replacement provided to you. You must always use Hardware provided by Cornwell on your truck.
You are required to obtain and maintain high speed Internet access via a standalone Network Access Device from a mobile wireless broadband carrier, to be able to communicate electronically with Cornwell.
Computer system expenditures are normally non-refundable. Cornwell has no control over any such refunds of expenditures you make to third-party vendors.
NOTE 11 - Computer Software. You will be required to license the "Ironman Business Network (IBN)" Software under a separate License Agreement with Cornwell. You will be required to use the "My Business" function in IBN as directed in order for you and Cornwell to monitor your business properly.
The License Agreement includes an open-end service plan, which includes the use of the IBN Software, price updates, program updates and software support. There is a one-time $100.00 set up fee, plus a monthly service contract fee of $50.00, which is payable to Cornwell and will be billed to your Cornwell open account every month. There will also be a one-time $175.00 license fee payable to a credit card processing vendor for Credit Card Processing Software that interfaces with the IBN Software. Cornwell has the right to increase the fees.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 43–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cornwell Quality Tools's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to acquire specific hardware from Cornwell Quality Tools for use in their trucks, including a laptop computer, bar code scanner, and credit card signature pad. The cost for this hardware is approximately $3,500, but Cornwell Quality Tools provides a $1,500 credit to offset this expense. Franchisees are also required to purchase or lease a compatible printer and wireless card. Cornwell Quality Tools provides a three-year limited warranty on the hardware, covering support, repair, or replacement. After the warranty expires or is voided due to franchisee damage, Cornwell Quality Tools continues to offer support, repair, and replacement services at the franchisee's expense.
Franchisees are also required to license the "Ironman Business Network (IBN)" software under a separate agreement with Cornwell Quality Tools. This license includes an open-end service plan covering software use, price updates, program updates, and software support. The fees associated with the IBN software include a one-time $100 set-up fee and a monthly service contract fee of $50, both payable to Cornwell Quality Tools. Additionally, there is a one-time $175 license fee for credit card processing software that interfaces with the IBN software, payable to a credit card processing vendor. Cornwell Quality Tools reserves the right to increase these fees.
The IBN software provides basic financial tracking capabilities but is not a complete accounting system, meaning franchisees will likely need additional professional accounting services. Initial training provided by Cornwell Quality Tools includes computer and IBN setup. Franchisees are also required to maintain high-speed internet access to communicate electronically with Cornwell Quality Tools. Overall, Cornwell Quality Tools mandates the use of specific hardware and software to maintain uniformity and facilitate business operations across all dealerships.