If a Del Taco franchisee purchases computer-related hardware or equipment through Del Taco, how is the purchase price handled?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Prior to opening the Restaurant, all new Del Taco franchisees must purchase and install point-of-sale and back-office equipment and software from vendors that we may designate or approve.
You have the right to purchase such computer-related hardware and equipment directly from any approved or designated vendor, or you can elect to purchase any computer-related hardware or equipment through us, and we will purchase the hardware or equipment on your behalf from approved third-party vendors and resell such hardware or equipment to you at no markup.
After your Restaurants opens, you and we reconcile the total actual purchase price of the hardware or equipment we purchased on your behalf you will reimburse us for the amount of the purchase price.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–28)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, new franchisees must purchase and install point-of-sale and back-office equipment and software from approved vendors. While franchisees have the option to purchase this equipment directly from approved vendors, they can also elect to purchase it through Del Taco. In this case, Del Taco will purchase the hardware or equipment from approved third-party vendors on the franchisee's behalf and resell it to the franchisee at no markup.
After the Del Taco restaurant opens, the total actual purchase price of the hardware or equipment is reconciled. The franchisee is then responsible for reimbursing Del Taco for the amount of the purchase price. This means the franchisee will ultimately pay the same price for the equipment whether they purchase it directly from the vendor or through Del Taco, as Del Taco does not add any additional fees or markup to the cost.
This arrangement provides flexibility for the franchisee, allowing them to leverage Del Taco's purchasing power and relationships with approved vendors if they choose. However, the franchisee remains responsible for the full cost of the equipment, and must be prepared to reimburse Del Taco for the purchase price after the restaurant opens. The estimated initial investment for IT Equipment & Installation, Computer-related Services & Licensing ranges from $59,000 to $100,000, according to the FDD.