Under what conditions must a Gokhale Method franchisee upgrade or replace their 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, a franchisee must upgrade or replace their computer system at their own expense whenever Gokhale Method requires it. Gokhale Method has no obligation to assist the franchisee in obtaining hardware, software, or related services for these upgrades or replacements. The FDD specifies that there are no contractual limits on the frequency or cost of this obligation.
Franchisees are required to have specific computer equipment and software, including an Apple MacBook with certain specifications (or an 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.
While Gokhale Method does not provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or updates to the computer system, the FDD mentions that there are multiple providers available for these services, which the franchisee can obtain at their option. 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. Franchisees are required to store customer information, such as names, addresses, contact information, payment details, and courses taken, on their computers and share this information with Gokhale Method in a specified manner. Gokhale Method may require franchisees to store and input additional information into their system in the future.