Is Fitstop required to provide an approved supplier for computer hardware?
Fitstop Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You are required to purchase and maintain in good working order a laptop or desktop computer with standard productivity software and access to the Internet for use in the back office in connection with (i) managing and reporting your Franchised Business, and (ii) working with our Current Billing/POS Provider and associated Required Software. We do not currently have an Approved Supplier for the computer hardware you must utilize, but you will need to have a dedicated computer for POS and a printer that meets our System standards and specifications. Since you accept credit cards as a method of payment at your Franchise, you must comply with payment card infrastructure ("PCI") industry and government requirements. PCI security standards are technical and operational requirements designed to protect cardholder data. The standards apply to all organizations that store, process or transmit cardholder data and cover technical and operational payment system components involving cardholder data. Notwithstanding the credit card processing requirement, we do not represent, nor certify to you or your customers that the credit card processing service approved or provided by us or our affiliate is compliant, whether or not certified, with the PCI Data Security Standards.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 19–23)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fitstop's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase and maintain a laptop or desktop computer with standard productivity software and internet access for managing their business and working with the Current Billing/POS Provider and associated Required Software. However, Fitstop does not currently have an Approved Supplier for the computer hardware. Franchisees will need a dedicated computer for POS and a printer that meets Fitstop's system standards and specifications.
Since Fitstop franchisees accept credit cards, they must comply with Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards, which are technical and operational requirements designed to protect cardholder data. These standards apply to all organizations that store, process, or transmit cardholder data and cover technical and operational payment system components involving cardholder data.
It is important to note that Fitstop does not represent or certify that the credit card processing service they approve or provide is compliant with PCI Data Security Standards, regardless of whether it is certified. This means franchisees must take their own steps to ensure compliance with these standards to protect their customers' data and avoid potential liabilities.