What computer hardware and software system does Face Foundrie specify that franchisees must acquire?

ctronic, and other security systems; tablets, printers and other peripheral devices; and archival back-up systems.

Before opening your Facial Bar, you must install, at your expense, our approved computer systems. Currently, our Facial Bar system requirements mandate that each Facial Bar must have an iMac computer for the reception system, as well as a computer for management use. You also will need to purchase or lease at least nine iPads. You must also purchase other hardware to operate your Facial Bar and take payments, including a printer, phone system, and a security and sound system. We may provide you with detailed specifications and policies for these components, however, other than meeting our minimum requirements to ensure they are capable of integrating with our designated software, we do not currently specify the types of hardware you purchase. The computers will not only assist you in operating your business, but the computer in your reception area will be integrated with our facial bar management software. You will also use your computer to order your marketing materials and other supplies from us and our approved vendors. The cost of your computer will vary based on the brand and model you choose.

The total cost to purchase the required Computer Hardware is approximately $9,000 to $11,500, which is subject to change, and dependent on the brands and model you choose. We reserve the right to change our specifications in the future to take advantage of technological advances or to adapt the system to meet operational needs and changes. We may require you to bring any computer hardware and software, related peripheral equipment, and communications systems into conformity with our then-current standards for new Facial Bars.

Computer Software

You must obtain a license to use our designated facial bar management software for use in your Facial Bar and other software programs specified in our Operating Manual. The cost for the designated facial bar management software is, as of the date of this Disclosure Document, $375 per month and is payable directly to the software provider. If you decide to add optional texting capabilities to the management software, the monthly cost will instead range from $425 to $625. This software is a proprietary product that has been approved for our System and we have not approved any compatible equivalent software. The software vendor intends to provide the continuing monthly support you need to operate this facial bar management software and provide software updates at no additional cost to you, but neither it nor we are obligated to do so, and whether it or we do so or not is likely to depend on the extent of any upgrades. We do not provide support for any other third-party software. You must use the QuickBooks online accounting platform, which, as of the date of this Disclosure Document, costs $45 to $90 per month, and our designated financial performance data reporting platform, the cost of which is included as part the Technology Fee you pay to us. Much of the software that you will use for your computer is standard software, not including the facial bar management software discussed above, that you will order with your computer.

As part of the Technology Fee you pay to us, we or a designed vendor will also provide website hosting and provide to you email hosting and support for at least two email addresses per Facial Bar. Our current technology fee is $400 per month, although we reserve the right to increase the Technology Fee during the term of the Franchise Agreement for additional technology needs.

Ongoing Maintenance and Use

We are not obligated to provide you with ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to your computer system.

Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 33–43)