Is a Gold Star franchisee responsible for purchasing and maintaining hardware to download and use the application?
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 responsible for the costs associated with using the brand's preferred application system. Specifically, the franchisee must cover all subscription fees and any other charges related to using the application.
This extends to the hardware required to download and operate the application. The franchisee is responsible for purchasing and maintaining the necessary hardware. Additionally, franchisees must purchase and maintain a functioning I-Pad at their retail location.
This requirement means that prospective Gold Star franchisees need to factor in the ongoing costs of technology, including application subscriptions, hardware maintenance, and the purchase of an I-Pad, when assessing the financial viability of the franchise. These costs are in addition to the monthly fees associated with the POS system, which range from $886 to $1,291.