Is a Gokhale Method franchisee required to purchase equipment from the franchisor?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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.
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 some equipment from the franchisor. However, they are also provided with specifications for equipment and supplies that they may purchase from other sources.
Prospective Gokhale Method franchisees are required to obtain specific computer equipment and software, whether through purchase or lease. This includes an Apple MacBook (or 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. Franchisees are also responsible for maintaining, repairing, and updating their computer systems, with estimated annual costs ranging from $0 to $1,000, depending on the need for repairs.
Gokhale Method franchisees must upgrade or replace their computer systems whenever the franchisor requires it, and the franchisee bears the expense. The FDD specifies that franchisees must store customer information (names, addresses, contact information, payment details, and courses taken) on their computers and share it with the franchisor through their system. The franchisor may require additional information to be stored and shared in the future.