What is the estimated cost to purchase the computer system required for an Epcon Communities franchise?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
d or cooperative. We have not established an advertising council composed of franchisees and have no plans to do so in the future.
Computer System
You must purchase and use a computer system meeting our specifications and your architect or design professional must have a computer design system similar to that now typically used in the profession to read plans in CAD format. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.10). The computer system will be used to store word processing data, spreadsheets, financial information, PDFs and CAD drawings. Your computer must be able to recognize and open CAD drawings (".DWG" file types) using AutoCAD LT 2019 or similar software (Autodesk DWF Viewer and Autodesk TrueView are recommended as free alternatives), or a later version as determined by us.
We estimate that it will cost you up to $1,900 (per computer) to purchase the computer system and up to $3,000 (per user) to purchase the AutoCAD LT 2019 software license. You must utilize a broadband Internet connection with your computer system at a cost of approximately $135 per month for business class pricing. Your computer(s) must allow you to view and listen to standard multimedia type files such as photos, videos and music files, both locally on your computer and over the Internet. You must have Adobe Photoshop or similarly capable software (such as Illustrator) for making updates to and accessing marketing materials. You are required to have a working email address. Periodically, we send you important
information by email, and some email messages that we send to you require a response to us. Your computer and email system will be required to have updated antivirus and anti-spam software installed. (Your obligations regarding computer hardware and software are set out in Section 5.10 of the Franchise Agreement and the Manual.) We are not obligated to provide to you, or to assist you in obtaining, the required software and hardware. You can obtain the required software and hardware fro
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 39–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Epcon Communities' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase a computer system that meets the brand's specifications. The estimated cost to purchase the computer system is up to $1,900 per computer. Additionally, franchisees must purchase an AutoCAD LT 2019 software license, which costs up to $3,000 per user. The computer system will be used for various tasks, including storing word processing data, spreadsheets, financial information, PDFs, and CAD drawings. The computer must be able to recognize and open CAD drawings, and franchisees may use AutoCAD LT 2019 or similar software. A broadband internet connection is required at an approximate cost of $135 per month for business class pricing.
Epcon Communities requires that the computer system be capable of viewing and listening to standard multimedia files, both locally and over the Internet. Franchisees must also have Adobe Photoshop or similarly capable software for making updates to and accessing marketing materials. A working email address is required, and the computer and email system must have updated antivirus and anti-spam software installed. The franchisee can obtain the required software and hardware from any supplier.
Epcon Communities does not provide technical assistance for the designated computer hardware or software components. Franchisees are obligated to periodically upgrade and/or update their computer system to meet the franchisor's current minimum specifications, but these upgrades will not be required more often than annually. The estimated annual cost of options or required upgrades is $350. Epcon Communities is not obligated to provide any ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates.