Does the Fitstop FDD specify the Approved Supplier for Required Software?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
13.4.2 In the event you are required to license and use any Required Software that is not covered by the Technology Fee above, then you must ensure that you pay our Approved Supplier directly for such licensing and other fees associated with that Required Software as and when required by that provider.
6.9 Computer System; Required Software. You must at your cost: (1) install and use in the Franchise computer hardware and software which satisfies the functionality and specification requirements specified by us; (2) acquire and maintain software licenses in respect to all Required Software, whether covered by the Technology Fee or otherwise; and (3) change or upgrade any computer hardware or software used in the Franchise which we reasonably consider is obsolete or superseded, including installation of new computer hardware or software which satisfies the then current functionality and specification requirements specified by us.
For the purposes of this Section, we may, at any time during the Term, require you to purchase computer hardware or license software specified by us directly from us or, subject to law, certain
suppliers which we may approve. You must allow us to have access to your computer hardware and software and to all information that is stored in it including by any instantaneous means of telecommunication or internet protocol, unless prohibited by state or federal law. If we introduce a pointof-sale system, you must install the point-of-sale system approved by us that meets our performance standards. You must permit us or our duly authorized agents at all times, and from time to time, to copy any information contained in your point-of-sale system to a computer system operated by us, our nominee, or agents. You must ensure that connectivity is maintained and available at all times to allow all data generated by the point-of-sale system to be captured by us.
You must (1) access and use the Required Software and the CMS to operate the Franchise strictly in accordance with our direction; (2) have permanent 24 hour internet access (subject to black out and telecommunication network difficulties); (3) submit reports electronically to us in a format compatible with the Required Software and the CMS; (4) keep the Required Software, the CMS and required computer hardware and electronic equipment secure from unauthorized use and in good working order and repair; (5) ensure that the Required Software, the CMS, and the data uploaded or downloaded thereon, is used only for their authorized purpose and are not modified, altered, varied, changed, copied, reproduced or reverse engineered; (6) comply with all of our reasonable requirements made from time to time relating to the use of Required Software and the CMS; (7) give us access at all times to your Computer System and Required Software, including providing details of any access passwords and other access codes required, to enable us to upload or download information and to monitor and audit the Franchise's data and reports; (8) enter all information onto the Required Software and the CMS as required by us and ensure all information required by us is inputted on receipt of the information as expediently as possible and in any case by 5 p.m. local standard time of the next calendar day of the request; and (9) upgrade the computer hardware and electronic equipment and the Required Software or other software necessary to access the Required Software and the CMS as we reasonably require.
- 12.1 Required Items. Unless we agree otherwise in a separately-signed writing, you must acquire and/or license and/or lease: (i) the furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies, inventory, Required Software and services we designate in the Manuals or otherwise in writing to (a) build-out and otherwise establish the Franchised Business at the Premises, and (b) operate that Franchised Business on an ongoing basis (collectively, the "Required Items"), in accordance with our then-current System standards and specifications; and (ii) such Required Items from the Approved Supplier, if any, we designate in our Manuals or otherwise in writing.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 50–135)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to license and use specific software. If this software is not covered by the Technology Fee, franchisees must pay Fitstop's Approved Supplier directly for the licensing and associated fees. Fitstop may designate Approved Suppliers for Required Items, including software, in the Manuals or in writing.
Fitstop can require franchisees to install and use specific computer hardware and software. Franchisees must also acquire and maintain the necessary software licenses for all Required Software. Fitstop can mandate that franchisees purchase computer hardware or license software directly from them or from Approved Suppliers.
Franchisees must use the Required Software and CMS (Content Management System) according to Fitstop's directions. This includes maintaining 24-hour internet access, submitting reports electronically, and keeping the software and hardware secure. Franchisees must also allow Fitstop access to their computer systems and software for monitoring and auditing purposes. If Fitstop introduces a point-of-sale system, franchisees must install the approved system and ensure that Fitstop can access the data it generates.