Can Deka Lash require franchisees to convert to a new computer system?
Deka_Lash Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
e FAC operates through the unincorporated Franchise Advisory Council Bylaws. We have the right to form, change, or dissolve the FAC at any time.
Computer Systems:
We require you to have an internet connection, email, and a laptop or desktop computer. We recommend an Apple iMac or MacBook. We require a minimum of two iPads or other tablets as specified by us at each studio. You must use the studio software we specify, which may include customer scheduling, online booking, reporting, and a Point of Sale/Credit Card application. We may change the computer hardware or software (including the point-of-sale software, studio software) at any time and we reserve the right to require you to convert to the new system at your expense. We also require that you use QuickBooks Online for your financial record keeping.
These items can be purchased for approximately $2,000- $5,000. Neither we nor our affiliates or any third party have any obligation to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates. You must maintain your computer systems in good working order and must replace, update or upgrade your hardware systems as we require. The estimated annual cost of optional or required maintenance, updating, upgrading, or support contracts to your computer systems is approximately $1,000.
Internet Access. You must establish both a broadband internet connection and we require that you conduct all franchised business utilizing our established domain's email accounts. We do not specify a particular internet vendor but reserve the right to do so.
Anti-virus protection. You must use anti-virus protection on your computer. At present, we do not specify a particular vendor, but reserve the right to do so.
Independent Access to Information. We have, and you are required to provide, independent access to the information that will be generated or stored in your computer systems, which includes, but not limited to, customer, transaction, and operational information. You must, at all times, give us unrestricted and independent electronic access to your studio information including, but not limited to, your studio software, appointment software and point-of-sale system, for the purposes of obtaining information about the studio.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 32–40)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Deka Lash's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use specific studio software, which may include customer scheduling, online booking, reporting, and point of sale applications. Deka Lash has the right to change the required computer hardware or software, including point-of-sale and studio software, at any time.
Importantly, Deka Lash reserves the right to require franchisees to convert to the new system at the franchisee's expense. The initial purchase of computer-related items can range from approximately $2,000 to $5,000. Franchisees are responsible for maintaining their computer systems in good working order and must replace, update, or upgrade their hardware systems as required by Deka Lash. The estimated annual cost of optional or required maintenance, updating, upgrading, or support contracts is approximately $1,000.
Furthermore, Deka Lash requires franchisees to have independent access to information generated or stored in their computer systems, including customer, transaction, and operational data. Franchisees must provide Deka Lash with unrestricted electronic access to their studio information, including studio software, appointment software, and point-of-sale system. This access allows Deka Lash to review business operations and obtain business records. Deka Lash also reserves the right to require franchisees to provide automated electronic access of their accounting data to a designated business intelligence software application and requires the use of Intuit QuickBooks Online for financial record keeping.