Does Cream have access to the franchisee's Computer System?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must use the Computer System to maintain certain sales and other financial data, customer information, and other information we designate. We will have unlimited, independent access to your Computer System at all times, other than the software you use to maintain payroll and other human resource files. You must ensure that we and our designees will have the right to collect and retain from the Computer System any and all data concerning your Shop.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 28–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cream's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cream will have access to the franchisee's Computer System. Cream requires franchisees to use a Computer System that meets Cream's standards. The Computer System is comprised of point-of-sale software, labor management software, accounting software, internal communications and inventory management software, reputation management software, and a security system with cameras. The estimated cost for acquiring and installing the Computer System is between $2,000 and $4,000, with ongoing costs of approximately $3,200 to $3,600 per year for maintenance and upgrades.
Cream requires franchisees to use the Computer System to maintain sales, financial, and customer data. Cream will have unlimited access to the Computer System at all times, except for software used to maintain payroll and other human resource files. Cream and its designees have the right to collect and retain any data concerning the franchisee's shop from the Computer System.
This level of access is fairly common in franchise systems, as it allows Cream to monitor sales, ensure compliance with system standards, and provide support to franchisees. However, franchisees should be aware of the extent of Cream's access and data collection practices and ensure that they are comfortable with these practices.