Does Craters & Freighters guarantee that their systems will not be vulnerable to computer viruses?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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. This may include taking reasonable steps to secure Franchisee's systems, including, but not limited to, purchasing firewalls, access code protection, anti-virus systems, and using backup systems.
- 6.9 Email Account(s). Franchisee must maintain the email account(s) established by Franchisor for Franchisee's Franchised Business.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 49–50)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Craters & Freighters Franchise Disclosure Document, Craters & Freighters does not guarantee that their systems will be free of computer viruses or other technological issues. The FDD states that computer systems are vulnerable to viruses, bugs, power disruptions, communication line disruptions, internet access failures, content failures, date-related problems, and hacker attacks.
The FDD clarifies that Craters & Freighters does not guarantee that the information or communication systems they or their approved suppliers provide will be invulnerable to these problems. As a franchisee, you are solely responsible for protecting your systems from these vulnerabilities.
To mitigate these risks, Craters & Freighters recommends that franchisees take reasonable steps to secure their systems. These steps include purchasing firewalls, access code protection, and anti-virus systems, as well as using backup systems. Franchisees are also advised to verify that their approved suppliers, lenders, lessors, customers, and governmental agencies they rely on have reasonable protections in place.
This means that as a Craters & Freighters franchisee, you must proactively invest in and manage your own cybersecurity measures. While Craters & Freighters provides the proprietary software, the responsibility for safeguarding your business from technological threats rests with you. The FDD also states that the aggregate cost of upgrades, additions, and replacements to the computer system will not exceed $5,000 per year during the agreement.