Does HydroDog specify the computer hardware required for the HydroDog Business?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
tes. (Franchise Agreement, Section 12.10)
Computer Systems and POS System
You must acquire and use in developing and operating your HydroDog Business a computer system consisting of the computer services, components, equipment, computer hardware, telecommunications equipment or services, point-of-sale system, the software used in connection with the Business Management System and other operating or communications software that we designate or require for use by HydroDog Businesses (collectively, the "Software") that we specify from time to time in the manner we designate (collectively, the "Computer System"). You must sign any standard license agreement or user agreement that may be required to use a system that we specify. You must use the required systems for service calls,
managing inventory, reporting Gross Sales and other information, training personnel, and other functions as we specify from time to time. You must ensure that your employees are adequately 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 wi
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 that meets HydroDog's specifications. This system includes computer services, components, equipment, hardware, telecommunications equipment/services, a point-of-sale (POS) system, and designated software for the Business Management System. HydroDog specifies these requirements and may change them over time. Franchisees must also sign any required license or user agreements for the specified systems. The computer system is used for various functions such as service calls, managing inventory, reporting sales, training, and other tasks specified by HydroDog.
As of the date of the 2025 FDD, the mandatory hardware and software requirements include a 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, a monitor, a color printer, an iPad or Android tablet, and a compatible mobile phone. Franchisees must also have proficiency with designated software and internet programs, including database, spreadsheet, financial, word processing, communications, e-mail, and calendaring programs. A high-speed internet connection (DSL or cable modem) and a dedicated business mobile phone are also required.
HydroDog estimates that the cost of the computer system will range from $1,000 to $1,500 if the franchisee does not already possess a system that meets the requirements. Franchisees are also responsible for the ongoing acquisition, operation, maintenance, and upgrades of the computer system. They must use the system for online sales reporting, supply ordering, customer information management, and other reporting requirements outlined in the Franchise Agreement.
It is important to note that HydroDog retains the right to access all information collected, stored, or generated by the franchisee's computer system without prior notice. Franchisees must provide HydroDog with password access to enable data retrieval. Franchisees are also obligated to update or upgrade the computer system, including POS components and software, as required by HydroDog, at their sole expense. The estimated annual cost for maintenance, updates, upgrades, or support contracts ranges from $100 to $1,000, but there is no contractual limit on the frequency or cost of required upgrades.