What are the mandatory hardware and software requirements for the Computer System for a Hydrodog franchise as of the date of the disclosure document?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
equately trained to use the systems and that they follow applicable policies.
You will have sole responsibility for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrading of the Computer System. You must use the Computer System for on-line reporting of sales, ordering supplies, keeping customer information, and reporting other information to us as required under the Franchise Agreement (collectively, the "Business Management System"). As of the date of this disclosure document, our mandatory hardware and software requirements for the Computer System include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) laptop or desktop personal computer (like a MAC Book Pro, HP, Dell etc. or equivalent), a network card, a most recent Microsoft or Apple operating system, Adobe Acrobat Reader (most recent version), the most recent Microsoft Office Suite or Apple equivalent and the POS software; (2) a monitor; and (3) a color printer, (4) iPad or Android tablet, and (5) compatible mobile phone. The Computer System must contain and you must be reasonably proficient with such computer software and internet programs that we designate for use from time to time, including: database, spreadsheet, financial, word processing, communications, e-mail and calendaring programs. You must obtain and install a highspeed Internet connection (through DSL or cable modem) to your Computer System at the site and maintain a valid e-mail address and account to which you have access and through which we may contact you. You must maintain a dedicated business mobile phone number that is separate from your personal phone line. If you do not already have a computer system and peripherals that satisfy these requirements, we estimate that the Computer System will cost between $1,000 to $1,500. You will also incur fees for the telephone lines and high-speed Internet connection.
We do not have any obligation to provide ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades or updates to the Computer System. Nor do we have any obligation to reimburse you for any Computer System costs. You must maintain your Computer System and keep it in good repair. You must update or upgrade the Computer System, including any point-of-sale system components and software, as we require at any time during the term of the franchise, at your sole expense.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must acquire and use a computer system with specific hardware and software. This system is essential for various functions, including online sales reporting, supply ordering, customer information management, and other required reporting to Hydrodog. Franchisees are solely responsible for the acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrades of the computer system.
The mandatory hardware and software requirements include a laptop or desktop personal computer (such as a MacBook Pro, HP, or Dell), a network card, the most recent Microsoft or Apple operating system, the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, the most recent Microsoft Office Suite or Apple equivalent, and POS software. Additionally, franchisees need a monitor, a color printer, an iPad or Android tablet, and a compatible mobile phone. The computer system must also be compatible with designated software and internet programs for database, spreadsheet, financial, word processing, communications, e-mail, and calendaring purposes.
To ensure proper connectivity, franchisees must obtain and install a high-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable modem) and maintain a valid e-mail address for communication with Hydrodog. A dedicated business mobile phone number, separate from the franchisee's personal line, is also required. If a franchisee does not already possess a computer system meeting these requirements, the estimated cost is between $1,000 and $1,500, excluding the ongoing fees for telephone lines and high-speed Internet. Hydrodog retains the right to access all information collected, stored, or generated by the franchisee's computer system at any time, without prior notification, and requires password access to facilitate data retrieval.