Is Gokhale Method obligated to assist franchisees in obtaining hardware, software, or related services for the computer system?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
You must, at your own expense, upgrade or replace your Computer System whenever we require it, and we have no obligation to assist you in obtaining hardware, software or related services. There are no contractual limits on the frequency or cost of your obligation to obtain these types of upgrades. On your computer, you will store certain information in a form that we may require. At this time, and subject to updates we request from time to time, the information to be stored includes only customer names, addresses, contact information, how much the customers pay, the courses taken by the customers, and the customers' payment methods. We require you to share this information with us by inputting the information into our system in a manner set forth by us. In the future, we may, in our discretion, require you to store additional information and input it into our system.
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, Gokhale Method is not obligated to assist franchisees in obtaining computer hardware, software, or related services. The franchisee is responsible for obtaining the necessary computer equipment and software, including 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.
Gokhale Method is also not required to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to the computer system. While there are no specific requirements for mandatory hardware repair plans or software support service plans, franchisees can opt to obtain these services from multiple providers. The estimated annual cost to maintain, repair, and update the computer system ranges from $0 to $1,000, depending on whether the system breaks down.
The franchisee is obligated to upgrade or replace their computer system at their own expense whenever Gokhale Method requires it, and Gokhale Method has no obligation to assist in obtaining these upgrades or related services. Franchisees are required to store customer information, such as names, addresses, contact information, payment amounts, courses taken, and payment methods, on their computers and share this information with Gokhale Method by inputting it into their system.