Where can a Gokhale Method franchisee find the specifications for supplies, fixtures, and equipment that can be purchased from alternative sources?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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To ensure that high and uniform standards of service and quality are maintained, you must operate your Gokhale Method Franchised Business in strict conformity with our methods, standards, specifications, protocols and customer service requirements, and you must purchase certain supplies, fixtures, and equipment from us. Except for the proprietary items that we supply, you may purchase supplies, fixtures and equipment from any source, so long as the items meet our specifications, which are listed below.
Approved Suppliers
Initial Equipment and Furnishings
Prior to opening your Franchised Business, you must purchase the following equipment and furnishings from us: a Gokhale® Roller, a Gokhale Pain-Free™ Chair, 8 Stretchsit® Cushions, 8 Gokhale® Wedges, 8 Gokhale® Head Cushions, 8 copies of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, and sufficient shirts or uniforms (if required by us). You must also obtain an application proprietary to GMI for an iPhone; there is no charge for this application. There are no other suppliers for these items, because they are proprietary to us and GME. Because these items are proprietary to us, we do not authorize other sources to supply these items nor do we permit you to purchase them elsewhere. We do not supply the specifications of these items to third parties. Other than these items, you may purchase other required equipment and supplies from any source that can provide equipment and supplies that meet our specifications.
No officer of GMI owns any interest in any supplier of equipment, furnishings or supplies other than Esther Gokhale's ownership of GME itself.
The items that you must purchase or obtain that must meet our specifications, but that you may obtain from any source are: an Apple MacBook with an Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent, MacOS 12 Monterey or later operating system, and at least 13 inch monitor; optionally an equivalent PC; an iPhone (iPhone 6S or later, running iOS 15 or above), iPad (running iOS 15 or above), or iPod Touch (with camera, 7th generation or later, running iOS 15 or above);
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–17)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must operate their franchised business in strict compliance with the franchisor's methods, standards, specifications, protocols, and customer service requirements. While certain proprietary items must be purchased directly from Gokhale Method, other supplies, fixtures, and equipment can be sourced from alternative suppliers, provided they meet the franchisor's specifications. The FDD lists specific items that franchisees may purchase from alternative sources, such as an Apple MacBook with certain specifications, an iPhone or other Apple devices, a digital projector, a projector screen, exercise strap, yoga mat, pillows, folding chairs, and height implements.
For items that can be purchased from alternative sources, the specifications are listed in Item 8 of the FDD. These specifications ensure that all franchisees maintain a uniform standard of quality and service. However, Gokhale Method is the only approved supplier for certain items like the Gokhale® Roller, Gokhale Pain-Free™ Chair, Stretchsit® Cushions, Gokhale® Wedges, Gokhale® Head Cushions, and copies of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back. The franchisor does not supply the specifications of these proprietary items to third parties.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review Item 8 of the FDD to understand which items must be purchased from Gokhale Method and which can be sourced elsewhere. Understanding these requirements is crucial for managing initial and ongoing costs, as well as ensuring compliance with Gokhale Method's standards. Franchisees should also note that Gokhale Method reserves the right to require franchisees to purchase additional equipment or supplies from them in the future.