Is a Gold Star franchisee required to purchase and maintain a functioning I-Pad at their Retail Location?
Gold_Star Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase a subscription to any application or other web services as we direct in the Manual. We require that you download our preferred licensed application system which we utilize to communicate with our franchisees. You are responsible for all subscription and other fees charged in connection with your use of our preferred application system and any costs incurred in purchasing and maintaining hardware to download and use the application. You are also responsible for purchasing and maintaining a functioning I-Pad at your Retail Location.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 26–36)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Gold Star Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase and maintain a functioning I-Pad at their retail location. This requirement is tied to the use of Gold Star's preferred licensed application system, which franchisees must download to communicate with the company.
Franchisees are responsible for all subscription and other fees associated with using Gold Star's preferred application system. They are also responsible for the costs of purchasing and maintaining the hardware, specifically the I-Pad, needed to download and use the application. This means that in addition to the initial purchase of the I-Pad, franchisees will need to budget for any repairs, replacements, or upgrades to keep the device functioning properly.
This requirement ensures that Gold Star franchisees can effectively communicate with the company and utilize the necessary applications for business operations. However, it also represents an additional cost for the franchisee, who must factor in the price of the I-Pad and ongoing maintenance into their initial investment and operating expenses. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific applications required, the expected lifespan of the I-Pad, and any technical support provided by Gold Star to help manage these technology requirements.