Besides the Technology Fee, can Expense Reduction Analysts require additional technology fees?
Expense_Reduction_Analysts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ned in Item 11) as part of our evolving System.
In addition to the Technology Fee, we reserve the right to require that you pay us or our designated vendor(s) a fee (which may be collected monthly, quarterly, or annually via automatic EFT withdraws with notice) associated with other technology requirements, including but not limited to maintaining required computer hardware and software, and any other technology used in the operation of your Consulting Business, and such payment shall be made in the manner prescribed by us or the designated vendor(s), as applicable ("Technology Fee"). We reserve the right to change the amount of the Technology Fee or incorporate additional technology fees as changes are made to the System's hardware, software and other computer requirements or as required by the third-party vendor(s) or by any regulatory agency. As of the Issuance Date, the license fees associated are included in the current Technology Fee.
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- SpendVue Fees. SpendVue is proprietary software owned by franchisor and required to be used in all projects. SpendVue assists the presentation of the benefit of franchisee's expense reduction offering to its clients. The charge is currently 1.5% of the Net Cumulative Receipts which sum is paid to Franchisor whenever the client pays the project fees. If the prospective client does not engage franchisee's services, no fees will be charged to franchisee for using SpendVue in the client engagement process. Your SpendVue Fees paid may be reimbursable from your Marketing Fund Contributions. We may develop or substitute other cost intelligence assessment tools and or proprietary products for use in your Consulting Business, including private-label products that bear our Marks. If we update or replace SpendVue you will be required to use and pay fees for any such alternate product(s).
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- Training and Coaching Fee. The initial franchise fee includes initial franchise training for you or your Designated Principal; additional training is available at a separate cost as disclosed. You may employ or engage Practice Model Consultants (as defined below) in your Consulting Business, provided that such Practice Model Consultants attend and successfully complete our Foundational Training Program or the minimal self-paced 20+ hours of online training. With our prior written approval, you may also engage or employ Practice Model Consultants (each, a "Practice Model Consultant" or "PMC") who: (i) primarily focuses on additional client acquisition activities on behalf of your Consulting Business; (ii) may also be engaged with client relationship or project management; and/or (iii) perform certain category specific or analytical work for your authorized Approved Products and Services.
ITEM 7. ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT1
| TYPE OF EXPENDITURE | AMOUNT | METHOD OF PAYMENT | WHEN DUE | TO WHOM PAYMENT IS TO BE MADE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee 2 | $69,900 | Single lump sum | Due at signing of the Franchise | ERA Group |
| Initial Training and | $0 - $10,000 | As incurred | Agreement. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 13–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Expense Reduction Analysts' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in addition to the general Technology Fee, Expense Reduction Analysts retains the right to impose further technology-related fees. Expense Reduction Analysts may require franchisees to pay fees associated with other technology requirements, such as maintaining computer hardware and software used in the Consulting Business. These fees can be collected monthly, quarterly, or annually via automatic EFT withdrawals, with prior notice. Expense Reduction Analysts also reserves the right to modify the Technology Fee amount or introduce additional technology fees as the System's hardware, software, and other computer requirements evolve, or as required by third-party vendors or regulatory agencies. As of the Issuance Date, the license fees associated are included in the current Technology Fee.
Expense Reduction Analysts requires franchisees to use SpendVue software, which assists in presenting the benefits of expense reduction offerings to clients. The fee for SpendVue is currently 1.5% of Net Cumulative Receipts, payable to Expense Reduction Analysts whenever the client pays the project fees. If a prospective client does not engage the franchisee's services, no SpendVue fees are charged. Expense Reduction Analysts may also develop or substitute other cost intelligence assessment tools or proprietary products, including private-label products, and franchisees will be required to use and pay fees for any such alternate products.
Expense Reduction Analysts also charges fees for each additional IT user account, with specific fees listed for Microsoft Power B1 ($10 E1 (online), $13 E3 (desktop), $28), Dynamics 365 ($10), MS teams Audio conferencing software ($3), and MS teams Premium ($8.40). These additional charges may change over time as set up in the Global Manuals - Information Technology Manual, and franchisees will receive formal notice of any such changes. These fees cover setup costs and monthly user fees, collectively referred to as "Technology Fees."