Can HealthSource Chiropractic require franchisees to obtain credit card processing services through HealthSource Chiropractic, its affiliates, or designated third parties?
Healthsource_Chiropractic Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 10.9 Credit Cards and Other Methods of Payment. You must at all times have arrangements in existence with Visa, Master Card, and any other credit and debit card issuers or sponsors, check verification services, and electronic fund transfer systems that we designate from time to time, in order that the Franchise may accept customers' credit and debit cards, checks, and other methods of payment. We may require you to obtain such services through us or our affiliates or designated third parties.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 77–282)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to HealthSource Chiropractic's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must have arrangements with Visa, MasterCard, and other credit/debit card issuers, check verification services, and electronic fund transfer systems that HealthSource Chiropractic designates.
HealthSource Chiropractic retains the right to mandate that franchisees obtain these payment processing services through HealthSource Chiropractic itself, its affiliates, or designated third-party providers. This means a franchisee might not be able to choose their own vendor for these services and may be required to use a provider selected by HealthSource Chiropractic.
This requirement allows HealthSource Chiropractic to potentially negotiate preferred rates or terms with specific vendors due to the collective bargaining power of the entire franchise system. However, it also means that franchisees may not be able to shop around for the best possible rates or services on their own, and they will be subject to the terms and conditions negotiated by HealthSource Chiropractic with the designated providers.