Is Gokhale Method required to operate a website for franchisee's courses?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Operating, in our sole discretion, a website on which your group courses may be posted (Section 4.9);
You may not advertise on the internet except through our website and email blasts.
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 not required to operate a website for their courses. Gokhale Method retains the discretion to operate a website where franchisee group courses can be posted, as stated in Item 11.
While franchisees are not obligated to run their own websites, they are restricted in how they can advertise online. Franchisees may not advertise on the internet except through the Gokhale Method website and email blasts administered by the franchisor for a reasonable fee. This suggests that Gokhale Method maintains control over the online presence and marketing of the courses.
Prospective franchisees should note that they are required to obtain specific computer equipment, including an Apple MacBook or equivalent PC, an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, a digital projector, and a projector screen. They also need a high-speed internet connection and telephone service. The estimated cost for these items ranges from $1,200 to $4,200. Franchisees are also responsible for upgrading or replacing their computer systems when Gokhale Method requires it.