Is the Gokhale Method franchisee required to purchase equipment from the franchisor?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Providing to you and allowing you to use our Teachers Manual and Policy Statements (Section 10.1). Our Policy Statements and Teachers Manual offer guidance in the operation of your Franchised Business. You must follow the terms of the Teachers Manual and Policy Statements, which we may update periodically.
Allowing you to operate in the general area in which you propose to teach (Section 2.1); and
Selling to you equipment you are required to purchase from us (Section 4.6) and providing you with the specifications for equipment and supplies you may purchase from others (Section 4.6).
You are required to obtain, by purchase or lease, the following computer equipment and software for your business:
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); a digital projector with sufficient brightness for your location; a projector screen with a diagonal measure of at least 60 inches; You will also need a high speed computer connection to the Internet and telephone service. We estimate the cost of these items to be between $1,200 and $4,200.
Neither we, nor our Affiliates, are required to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to your Computer System. Currently we do not have any specific requirements relating to mandatory hardware repair plans or software support service plans relating to your Computer System, but there are multiple providers available that can provide these types of services to you, at your option. We estimate that the cost to maintain, repair and update the computer system is between $0 and $1,000 a year, depending upon whether your system breaks down or not. There is no contractual limitation on the frequency and cost of maintenance, repairs and upgrade costs.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 18–23)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Gokhale Method Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase certain equipment from the franchisor. Specifically, the FDD states that the franchisor will be "Selling to you equipment you are required to purchase from us (Section 4.6)."
In addition to potential purchases from the franchisor, Gokhale Method franchisees must also obtain specific computer hardware and software. This includes an Apple MacBook with certain specifications (or an equivalent PC), an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, a digital projector, and a projector screen. The estimated cost for these items ranges from $1,200 to $4,200. The franchisee is responsible for maintaining and updating this computer system, with estimated annual costs between $0 and $1,000 depending on repair needs.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these required purchases and ongoing maintenance costs when evaluating the financial investment required to start a Gokhale Method franchise. It is important to clarify with the franchisor exactly what equipment must be purchased from them directly, and what alternatives may be available to manage the initial and ongoing technology expenses.