Are Crepe De Licious or its affiliates currently suppliers of the computer system?
Crepe_De_Licious Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must use the computer programs and related materials developed for use in the operation of Crepe de licious Franchises. The Software (defined in Item 11) includes the POS system software. You must pay us a technology fee for website hosting and other services. You must pay a separate license fee for the POS software this may be direct to the POS vendor or paid to us, as determined by us. The purchase of the Software license may include technical support. See Item 6 and Item 7 for more information about the technology fee and POS software license. Franchisees are required to purchase computer systems from our designated suppliers. You must use the computer hardware and software, including the point-of-sale system that we periodically designate to operate your Crepe de licious Business. You must obtain the computer system, software licenses, maintenance and support services, and other related services from the suppliers we specify (which may be limited to us and/or our affiliates). Neither we nor our affiliates are currently suppliers of the computer system, except for the services procured for the technology fee described above.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 25–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Crepe De Licious's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase computer systems from designated suppliers. These systems include computer hardware and software, including the point-of-sale (POS) system. Franchisees must also obtain software licenses, maintenance, support, and other related services from suppliers specified by Crepe De Licious, which may include Crepe De Licious or its affiliates. However, the document specifies that neither Crepe De Licious nor its affiliates are currently suppliers of the computer system, except for services procured for the technology fee.
This means that while Crepe De Licious mandates the use of specific computer systems and software, franchisees will likely be purchasing these systems from third-party vendors approved by Crepe De Licious. The technology fee mentioned covers website hosting and other services, suggesting that Crepe De Licious provides some technology-related services directly, but not the entire computer system. Franchisees should confirm with Crepe De Licious which specific services are covered by the technology fee and which are not.
It is important for prospective franchisees to understand that Crepe De Licious reserves the right to designate itself or its affiliates as approved suppliers in the future. This could potentially change the supply chain and purchasing requirements for computer systems. Franchisees should also be aware that they are required to use the designated POS system and other software, and must adhere to the specified standards and specifications outlined in the Operations Manual. This ensures uniformity across all Crepe De Licious franchises and helps maintain brand consistency.
Prospective franchisees should inquire about the costs associated with the computer system, software licenses, maintenance, and support services. They should also ask about the process for approving new suppliers if they wish to use a different vendor. Understanding these requirements and potential changes is crucial for budgeting and operational planning.