Is a Gold Star franchisee required to purchase a subscription to any application or web services?
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 subscriptions to certain applications and web services as directed in the manual. Specifically, Gold Star requires franchisees to download their preferred licensed application system, which is used for communication between the franchisor and its franchisees.
As a Gold Star franchisee, you are responsible for all subscription fees and any other charges related to the use of this application system. This includes the costs of purchasing and maintaining the hardware necessary to download and use the application. The FDD specifically mentions the franchisee being responsible for purchasing and maintaining a functioning I-Pad at their Retail Location.
This requirement ensures that all franchisees are using a standardized communication platform, which allows Gold Star to efficiently disseminate information and maintain consistency across the franchise system. While this provides benefits in terms of communication and support, prospective franchisees should factor in the ongoing costs of these subscriptions and hardware into their overall investment and operating expense projections.