Does the estimated ongoing cost of the Cream Computer System include monthly subscription fees?
Cream Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ost of acquiring and installing the Computer System will be $2,000 to $4,000.
We estimate the ongoing cost of maintaining and upgrading the Computer System to meet the thencurrent System Standards to be approximately $3,200 to $3,600 per year. This amount includes the monthly subscription fees that you must pay for the required point-of-sale software and certain other required third-party subscriptions. We also have the right to charge you a technology fee as described in Item 6. Neither we nor our affiliates have any obligation to provi
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, the estimated ongoing cost for maintaining and upgrading the Computer System, to meet System Standards, ranges from $3,200 to $3,600 per year. This estimate includes the monthly subscription fees required for the point-of-sale software and certain other third-party subscriptions. Cream also retains the right to charge a technology fee, as detailed in Item 6 of the FDD.
This means that as a Cream franchisee, you should budget between $3,200 and $3,600 annually for the Computer System's maintenance, upgrades, and subscription fees. This cost covers essential software like point-of-sale, labor management, accounting, internal communications, inventory management, reputation management, and security systems. It is important to note that this estimate does not include any potential technology fees that Cream may impose.
Cream does not commit to providing ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to the Computer System. Therefore, franchisees are responsible for ensuring their systems remain compliant with Cream's standards, potentially incurring additional costs beyond the initial estimate. Franchisees must also use the Computer System to maintain sales, financial, and customer data, granting Cream unlimited access to this data, excluding payroll and human resource files. This access allows Cream to collect and retain any data concerning the franchisee's shop.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these factors and inquire about the specifics of the technology fee, the frequency and potential costs of required system updates, and the details of data access and usage policies to fully understand the financial and operational implications of the Computer System requirements.