How do the Focus Cfo franchisee's obligations regarding pre-opening purchases/leases (Item 9) relate to the required IT services purchase from C-Forward (Item 8)?
Focus_Cfo Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Obligation | Section in Franchise Agreement | Item in Disclosure Document |
|---|---|---|
| a. Site selection and acquisition/lease | None | |
| b. Pre-opening purchases/leases | Sections 3, 10 | Items 6, 7, 8 |
| c. Site development and other pre-opening | Sections 3, 10 | Items 6, 7 |
| requirements | ||
| d. Initial and ongoing training | Sections 6, 7, Att. C | Items 6, 7, 11 |
| e. Opening | None | |
| f. Fees | Sections 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, Att. B, G | Items 5 and 6 |
| g. Compliance with standards and | Sections 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, Att. | Item 11 |
| policies/Operating Manual | C, D, E, G | |
| h. Trademarks and proprietary | Section 15, 16 | Items 13 and 14 |
| information | ||
| i. Restrictions on products/services | Section 7, 10, Att. C, D, E, G | Item 8, 11 |
| offered |
All franchisees must purchase a package of IT services from our approved IT vendor, which is currently C-Forward. The package of IT services includes: an Office 365 license, which includes access to Focus CFO e-mail, Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams video conferencing platform and Microsoft OneDrive file hosting and backup service. The IT package also includes a security monitoring service of the Franchisee's computer and IT support services.
Currently, we estimate the cost to obtain a business computer, any related hardware or software and the required package of IT services to be $2,500 to $5,000.
We estimate the annual costs of maintaining, updating or upgrading support to your required business computer system and software to be $1,500 to $3,000.
The current cost of the IT Services to the Franchisee is $30 per pay and will be deducted from the Franchisee's compensation each pay period. For Franchisees who have not yet started to earn compensation, Focus CFO will work with you to cover the cost until you do.
With respect to the required purchase of IT services and sales training, Focus CFO will not permit franchisees to contract with an alternative supplier.
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Focus Cfo's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 9 details the franchisee's obligations, including pre-opening purchases and leases, which are further detailed in Sections 3 and 10 of the Franchise Agreement and Items 6, 7, and 8 of the disclosure document. Item 8 specifically addresses the restrictions on sources of products and services, noting that all franchisees must purchase a package of IT services from C-Forward, Focus CFO's approved IT vendor. This IT package includes an Office 365 license with access to Focus CFO email, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft OneDrive, as well as security monitoring and IT support services.
The purchase of IT services from C-Forward is a mandatory pre-opening purchase. The FDD estimates the initial cost for a business computer, related hardware/software, and the required IT services package to be between $2,500 and $5,000. Franchisees are also responsible for the ongoing costs of maintaining and updating their computer systems and software, estimated at $1,500 to $3,000 annually. The franchisee is also responsible for a recurring IT Services fee of $30 per pay, which is deducted from the franchisee's compensation each pay period. Focus CFO covers this cost for franchisees who have not yet started earning compensation.
Focus Cfo maintains strict control over the IT services used by franchisees, not allowing them to contract with alternative suppliers. This ensures uniformity and security across the Focus Cfo system. The IT vendor, C-Forward, installs monitoring software on the franchisee's computer to protect against malware and viruses, with the right to access non-password protected files for support and security purposes, typically requesting permission beforehand. Franchisees must also maintain the specified IT software, services, and support on any business computer used to access Focus CFO email or conduct business as an Area President.
In summary, the pre-opening purchase/lease obligations outlined in Item 9 directly relate to the mandatory IT services purchase from C-Forward described in Item 8. Franchisees must budget for the initial purchase of IT services and related equipment, as well as ongoing maintenance and subscription fees. This requirement is non-negotiable, ensuring that all franchisees operate on a standardized and secure IT platform managed by Focus Cfo's approved vendor.