What additional software and hardware is a Craters & Freighters franchisee required to purchase?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
. Franchisee agrees to use the Proprietary Software and comply with all rules and requirements established by Franchisor from time to time relating to such Proprietary Software. Franchisee must purchase any additional select software, hardware (which will accept the software required by Franchisor), dedicated telephone and power lines, and other computer related accessories, peripherals, and equipment as required by Franchisor. Franchisee must obtain high-speed communication access for its computer system such as broadband, DSL, or other high-speed capacity. Franchisee agrees to maintain such computer system and software program in good repair at its expense. The aggregate cost of Franchisee's obligations to carry out upgrades of the computer system, addition of components to the computer system, and replacement of components to the computer system will not exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per year during the term of this Agreement. Franchisee acknowledges that Franchisor cannot estimate the cost of maintaining, updating, or upgrading Franchisee's computer system or software, as such cost will depend on Franchisee's repair history and local cost of computer maintenance services in its area and technological advances, which Franchisor cannot predict.
- 6.8 Franchisee's Responsibilities Relating to Vulnerability of Computer Systems. Franchisee acknowledges and understands that computer systems are vulnerable to computer viruses, bugs, power disruptions, communication line disruptions, Internet access failures, Internet content failures, date-related problems, and attacks by hackers and other unauthorized intruders. Franchisor does not guarantee that information or communication systems supplied by Franchisor or its approved suppliers will not be vulnerable to these problems. Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that Franchisee is solely responsible for protecting itself from these problems. Franchisee must also take reasonable steps to verify that Franchisee's approved suppliers, lenders, lessors, customers, and governmental agencies on which Franchisee relies, are reasonably protected.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 49–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters FDD, franchisees must purchase select software and hardware that is required by the Franchisor. This hardware must be able to accept the software required by Craters & Freighters. Franchisees also need to purchase dedicated telephone and power lines, along with other computer-related accessories, peripherals, and equipment as mandated by Craters & Freighters. Additionally, franchisees must secure high-speed communication access for their computer systems, such as broadband or DSL.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to maintain the computer system and software program in good repair at their own expense. The FDD states that the aggregate cost for upgrades, component additions, and replacements to the computer system will not exceed $5,000 per year during the term of the agreement.
The FDD also acknowledges that Craters & Freighters cannot estimate the exact cost of maintaining, updating, or upgrading a franchisee's computer system or software. These costs depend on the franchisee's repair history, local computer maintenance service costs, and technological advancements, which are unpredictable. Franchisees are also responsible for protecting their computer systems from vulnerabilities like viruses, power disruptions, and hacking, which may include purchasing firewalls and anti-virus systems.