What is the Proprietary Software used for in a Craters & Freighters franchise?
Craters_Freighters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will grant you access to the Proprietary Software and select software. The Proprietary Software is designed to provide you assistance with customer relationship management, quoting process, job flow, custom container design, calendaring, reporting, and transportation management.
You will be responsible for purchasing any additional hardware, upgrades, software, Internet connection and service, dedicated telephone and power lines, and other computer related accessories, peripherals, and equipment. Currently, we require you to purchase data processing software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite products) and an accounting software program (e.g., QuickBooks Pro) to go along with our Proprietary Software. You will be responsible for maintaining a high-speed internet access for the computer system. You will be responsible for maintaining the one or more e-mail addresses assigned to you by us. You will use such e-mail address(es) at all times when communicating within the System and to the public." We currently estimate the costs of purchasing these items to range from approximately $2,000 to $4,000, but these estimated costs may change over time as technology changes.
You will be responsible for maintaining the computer system and software programs in good repair at your expense. We anticipate that you may be required to upgrade or update the computer system during the term of the franchise. We are not obligated to provide you with ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to your computer system. It is difficult to estimate the cost of maintaining, updating or upgrading your computer system or software as it will depend on your repair history, local cost of such services in its area and technological advances, which we cannot predict at this time. We currently estimate these costs to range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year, although these costs could change frequently and significantly over time as technology changes. However, the aggregate cost of your 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 $5,000 per year during the term of your Franchise Agreement.
We reserve the right to independently access your electronic information and data through a proprietary data management and intranet system, and to collect and use your electronic information and data in any manner we choose to promote the development of the franchise system and the sale of franchises. Such information will include Business Records with respect to customers, and other service professionals of, and related to, the Franchised Business, including all names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, customer purchase records, and all other records contained in the data management and intranet system, all of which we own. There is no contractual limitation on our right to receive or use such information through our proprietary data management and intranet system.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Craters & Freighters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Proprietary Software is designed to assist franchisees with various aspects of their business operations. Specifically, it provides support for customer relationship management, the quoting process, job flow management, custom container design, calendaring, reporting, and transportation management. This indicates that the software serves as a comprehensive tool to streamline and manage the day-to-day activities of a Craters & Freighters franchise.
Furthermore, the Proprietary Software acts as the central platform for processing customer jobs from start to finish, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and accuracy. It also manages all royalty reports submitted by the franchise, which helps in streamlining operations and ensuring compliance with Craters & Freighters's standards.
Prospective franchisees should note that while Craters & Freighters provides access to the Proprietary Software, franchisees are responsible for purchasing additional hardware, upgrades, and other software, such as data processing software like Microsoft Office and accounting software like QuickBooks Pro. The estimated cost for these additional items ranges from approximately $2,000 to $4,000, but these costs may change over time as technology evolves. Franchisees are also responsible for maintaining a high-speed internet connection and the email addresses assigned to them by Craters & Freighters. The cost of maintaining, updating, or upgrading the computer system is estimated to range from $1,000 to $2,000 per year, although these costs could change significantly. However, the aggregate cost of upgrades, additions, and replacements to the computer system will not exceed $5,000 per year during the term of the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are also responsible for protecting themselves from viruses and computer hackers.