Are Expense Reduction Analysts franchisees required to install updates to the Required Software at their own expense?
Expense_Reduction_Analysts Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have the right, but not the obligation, to develop or otherwise designate: (i) computer software programs that you must use in connection with any component of the Computer System (the "Required Software"), which you must install at your sole expense; (ii) updates, supplements, modifications, or enhancements to the Required Software, which you must also install at your expense; (iii) the tangible media upon which you record data; and (iv) the database file structure of the Computer System. At our request, you must purchase or lease, and thereafter maintain, the hardware necessary to support Required Software. You agree, at your own expense, to keep your Computer System in good maintenance and repair and install such additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, and/or replacements to your Computer System or Required Software as we direct from time to time in writing. (Section 11.9 of the Franchise Agreement,).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Expense Reduction Analysts' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for the expenses associated with installing updates to the Required Software. Expense Reduction Analysts has the right, but not the obligation, to develop or designate computer software programs that franchisees must use, referred to as the "Required Software." Franchisees are obligated to install this software at their own cost.
Expense Reduction Analysts also has the right to create updates, supplements, modifications, or enhancements to the Required Software, which franchisees must also install at their own expense. Furthermore, at Expense Reduction Analysts' request, franchisees must purchase or lease and maintain the hardware necessary to support the Required Software.
Franchisees must maintain their computer systems in good repair and install any additions, changes, modifications, substitutions, or replacements to their computer system or Required Software as directed by Expense Reduction Analysts in writing. This requirement ensures that all franchisees operate on a standardized and up-to-date system, but it also places the financial burden of these updates and maintenance on the franchisee.