What specific software programs are Fly Fitness franchisees required to use?
Fly_Fitness Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
5. Computer Systems (Franchise Agreement, Section 12.3)
We require you to install and maintain computer systems and software, at your sole expense, meeting our minimum specifications for use at your Franchised Business. This includes entry-area computer hardware that operates our current required POS system, as specified in the Manual, and additional laptop computer or smart device that can operate other required software. You must also have Internet and other telecommunications equipment and services in accordance with our standards to permit electronic transmission of sales information. We reserve the right to change your requirements for computer hardware and software at any time.
You are required to use Mariana Tek, QuickBooks, Brandbot, and G-Suite to operate your Franchised Business.
QuickBooks allows us to independently and remotely access all of your sales data, including your Gross Revenue, through the Internet. We may in the future establish or modify the sales reporting systems as we deem appropriate for the accurate and expeditious reporting of Gross Revenue, and you must fully cooperate in implementing any such system at your expense.
The cost of the required computer hardware and software will range from $1,500 - $2,000 depending on the number of terminals. Monthly software access fees are approximately $159.00 - $699, subject to increase by the provider.
There are no contractual limitations on the frequency and cost of upgrades and/or updates to the above-described systems or programs.
We will have independent and unlimited electronic access to the information generated by and stored in your Mariana Tek and QuickBooks accounts. There are no contractual limitations on our right to have full access to this information. We may retrieve, download, analyze, and store such information and data at any time. We own all customer data stored in your Mariana Tek account.
We have no obligation to maintain, repair, update or upgrade your c
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–29)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Fly Fitness's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to use specific software programs to operate their business. These include Mariana Tek, QuickBooks, Brandbot, and G-Suite. These programs cover various aspects of the business, from point-of-sale operations to accounting and marketing. Fly Fitness also requires franchisees to install and maintain computer systems and software that meet the brand's minimum specifications, including entry-area computer hardware for the POS system and a laptop or smart device for other required software. Franchisees must also maintain internet and telecommunications equipment to allow for electronic transmission of sales data. Fly Fitness reserves the right to change the requirements for computer hardware and software at any time.
The initial cost for the required computer hardware and software ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the number of terminals needed. Additionally, franchisees will incur monthly software access fees, which are approximately $159.00 to $699, but are subject to change by the provider. Fly Fitness will have independent and unlimited electronic access to the information generated by and stored in the franchisee's Mariana Tek and QuickBooks accounts, including all customer data stored in the Mariana Tek account.
Fly Fitness does not have any obligation to maintain, repair, update, or upgrade the franchisee's computer and software. The franchisee is responsible for providing ongoing maintenance at their own cost. This means that franchisees need to budget not only for the initial purchase and monthly fees but also for potential maintenance, repairs, and future upgrades to remain compliant with Fly Fitness's system standards. The FDD does not specify the frequency or cost of potential upgrades or updates to the software programs.
For a prospective Fly Fitness franchisee, this means understanding the ongoing technology expenses and the importance of maintaining these systems to comply with Fly Fitness's requirements. It is also crucial to recognize that Fly Fitness has full access to the franchisee's financial and customer data, which is a common practice in franchising to ensure brand consistency and monitor performance. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the typical frequency and costs associated with software upgrades to better plan for these expenses.