What standards or requirements must Gokhale Method franchisees meet when purchasing equipment or supplies from sources other than the franchisor?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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To ensure that high and uniform standards of service and quality are maintained, you must operate your Gokhale Method Franchised Business in strict conformity with our methods, standards, specifications, protocols and customer service requirements, and you must purchase certain supplies, fixtures, and equipment from us. Except for the proprietary items that we supply, you may purchase supplies, fixtures and equipment from any source, so long as the items meet our specifications, which are listed below.
Approved Suppliers
Initial Equipment and Furnishings
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.
No officer of GMI owns any interest in any supplier of equipment, furnishings or supplies other than Esther Gokhale's ownership of GME itself.
The items that you must purchase or obtain that must meet our specifications, but that you may obtain from any source are: 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;
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 must adhere to specific standards when sourcing equipment and supplies from alternative suppliers. While Gokhale Method requires franchisees to purchase certain proprietary items directly from them, other equipment and supplies can be sourced elsewhere, provided they meet the franchisor's specifications. These specifications are not provided to third parties for the proprietary items.
For items that can be sourced independently, Gokhale Method mandates specific technical requirements. For instance, franchisees must use an Apple MacBook with particular specifications (Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent, MacOS 12 Monterey or later, and at least a 13-inch monitor) or an equivalent PC. They also need an 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, and a projector screen of at least 60 inches. Additional items include an exercise strap, yoga mat, pillows, and folding chairs.
For scheduling group Gokhale® Foundations courses, franchisees must have one chair, one Stretchsit® Cushion, one Gokhale® Wedge, one Gokhale® Head Cushion, and two pillows per student. They also need one yoga mat or equivalent lying surface per student. While GME is the only approved supplier for Stretchsit® Cushions, Gokhale® Wedges, and Gokhale® Head Cushions, franchisees can purchase chairs, pillows, and yoga mats from any supplier approved by Gokhale Method. Exceptions to these equipment requirements may be approved by GMI on a case-by-case basis.
These requirements ensure that all Gokhale Method classes maintain a consistent standard of quality, regardless of the franchisee's location. Prospective franchisees should carefully review these specifications and consider the costs associated with meeting them when evaluating the franchise opportunity. It is also important to note that Gokhale Method reserves the right to prescribe standards for the location where classes are conducted, including minimum room dimensions and compliance with building codes and accessibility laws.