Is Expense Reduction Analysts obligated to arrange for a Centralized Billing Service?

According to Expense Reduction Analysts' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Expense Reduction Analysts is not obligated to arrange for a Centralized Billing Service. The FDD states that Expense Reduction Analysts may, at its discretion, choose to arrange for such a service, but it is not a requirement. If Expense Reduction Analysts does designate an approved Centralized Billing Service, franchisees are required to use it, unless Expense Reduction Analysts specifies otherwise in writing. This service is provided free of charge to the franchisee.

If a Centralized Billing Service is implemented, all client payments for the franchisee's services must be transferred directly to a bank account associated with the Centralized Billing Service. After payments are made into this account for the preceding month, the Centralized Billing Service will pay the franchisee on the 10th day of each calendar month (or the next business day if the 10th falls on a weekend). The payment will be calculated by deducting the Royalty Fee and the Marketing Fund Contribution from the payments received from the franchisee's clients, taking into account any amounts due to Joint Venture partners. The Royalty Fee will be offset against the franchisee's Minimum Royalty Fee, with the reconciliation period being the year.

Franchisees are entitled to receive the Net Cumulative Receipts for the preceding month, less the Royalty Fee (if not already paid by Direct Debit), the Marketing Fund Contribution, and any other amounts owed to Expense Reduction Analysts under the Franchise Agreement. Expense Reduction Analysts may offer assistance in collecting payments from clients as part of the Centralized Billing Service, but nonpayment by a client remains the franchisee's responsibility. Expense Reduction Analysts is not obligated to make any payment for services provided to a client who fails to pay.

If Expense Reduction Analysts is required to refund any payment or provide a credit to a client, the franchisee must reimburse Expense Reduction Analysts for any amount already remitted in respect of the refund or credit within three business days of notice. Alternatively, Expense Reduction Analysts may withhold further remittance of Gross Revenue until the amount is repaid in full. If a franchisee is in breach of their reporting obligations, the Centralized Billing Service and Centralized Billing Account administration of Gross Revenue may be withheld until all required reports are completed and posted.