Who is responsible for installing the hardware, software, and interfaces for other business computer systems used by Embassy Suites franchisees, and who are the fees paid to?
Embassy_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
For the operation of any other business computer systems you may choose to use outside of OnQ, including but not limited to financial and accounting systems, point of sale, telephone, timekeeping and payroll, certain inventory systems, and spa and health club memberships (if applicable), you are able to contract with the supplier of your choice for both the hardware and software, subject to meeting our Standards on features and functionality. The only restriction would be where such hardware and software need to interface to OnQ. In those instances, your choice of supplier would be restricted to those that have a working interface to OnQ. The hardware, software, and interfaces must be installed by, and fees must be paid to, the respective vendors you choose.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 53–67)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Embassy Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the autonomy to select suppliers for hardware and software for business computer systems beyond the required OnQ system, such as financial, accounting, point of sale, telephone, timekeeping, payroll, certain inventory, and spa/health club membership systems. However, if these systems need to interface with the OnQ system, the choice of supplier is restricted to those with a compatible interface.
The responsibility for installing the hardware, software, and interfaces for these other business systems lies with the franchisee's chosen vendors. The franchisee is also directly responsible for paying the fees to these vendors. This arrangement allows franchisees some flexibility in choosing systems that best suit their needs, while ensuring compatibility with the core OnQ system when integration is necessary.
This means that as an Embassy Suites franchisee, you will need to budget not only for the cost of the hardware and software itself, but also for the installation fees charged by the vendors you select. It is important to carefully evaluate different vendors and their pricing to ensure you are getting the best value for your investment, especially if system integration with OnQ is required, which limits your vendor options.