From whom must a Healthsource Chiropractic franchisee obtain the customer management, accounting, and billing software for the Computer System?

According to Healthsource Chiropractic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must acquire their customer management, accounting, and billing software for the Computer System from HSWorx or another supplier that Healthsource Chiropractic designates in the future. This requirement is further detailed in Items 7 and 11 of the FDD.

This means that a prospective Healthsource Chiropractic franchisee does not have the freedom to choose their own software for these critical business functions. Instead, they are limited to using the specific software mandated by the franchisor. This ensures uniformity and compatibility across all Healthsource Chiropractic franchises, which can streamline data management and support.

However, it also means that franchisees are dependent on the approved supplier for updates, maintenance, and support. If HSWorx or a future designated supplier experiences issues or increases prices, the franchisee has limited recourse. It is important for prospective franchisees to evaluate the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the mandated software and to understand the terms of any agreements with the designated supplier. Franchisees should also inquire about the process for requesting approval of alternative suppliers if they are dissatisfied with the designated supplier.

This type of restriction is common in franchising, where franchisors often require franchisees to use specific suppliers to maintain quality control and brand consistency. However, it is crucial for franchisees to carefully consider the implications of these restrictions and to assess whether they are comfortable with the limited autonomy they have in choosing suppliers.