What specific items must a Gokhale Method franchisee purchase directly from the franchisor?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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.
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 are required to purchase specific items directly from the franchisor to maintain uniform standards of service and quality. These proprietary items include a Gokhale® Roller, a Gokhale Pain-Free™ Chair, eight Stretchsit® Cushions, eight Gokhale® Wedges, eight Gokhale® Head Cushions, and eight copies of the book '8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back'. Additionally, franchisees must obtain an application proprietary to GMI for an iPhone, which is provided without charge.
The reason these items must be purchased from Gokhale Method is that they are proprietary to the company and GME (presumably Gokhale Method Enterprises). The FDD explicitly states that Gokhale Method does not authorize other sources to supply these items, nor does it permit franchisees to purchase them elsewhere, and the specifications of these items are not provided to third parties. This ensures consistency and quality control across all Gokhale Method franchises.
Beyond these specific items, franchisees have the flexibility to purchase other required equipment and supplies from any source, provided that the items meet Gokhale Method's specifications. This allows franchisees to potentially find more cost-effective options for non-proprietary items while still adhering to the brand's standards. The FDD also mentions that as part of scheduling group Gokhale® Foundations courses, franchisees must own or make available one chair, one Stretchsit® Cushion, one Gokhale® Wedge, one Gokhale® Head Cushion, two pillows, and one yoga mat per student. While GME is the only approved supplier for the Stretchsit® Cushions, Gokhale® Wedges, and Gokhale® Head Cushions, franchisees may purchase the chairs, pillows, and yoga mats from any supplier approved by Gokhale Method.
Prospective franchisees should note that Gokhale Method reserves the right to require franchisees to purchase additional equipment or supplies from them in the future. The FDD estimates that the total amount a franchisee will pay for required purchases, including continuing education fees, will be between $2,081 and $3,332 during the first year of operation. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, total sales of required items accounted for 35 percent of Gokhale Method's total revenue.