What is the estimated cost range for the computer system for a Petro Stopping Center?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
professional fees that you may incur before you open your Petro Center for business. Your actual costs may vary depending on the degree to which you utilize outside professional advisors.
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT FOR THE GROUND-UP CONSTRUCTION OF A PETRO CENTER1
| Type of Expenditure | TA Center | Method of Payment | When Due | To Whom Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $80,000 – $130,000 | Lump Sum | At signing of the Franchise Agreement | Petro Franchise |
| Opening Extension Fees2 | $0 – $120,000 | Lump Sum | At signing of the Franchise Agreement or upon subsequent agreement as to an extension | Petro Franchise |
| Training 3 | $7,000 – $60,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Transportation Lines, Hotel, Restaurants, Employee Wages |
| Opening Assistance 4 | $30,000 - $90,000 | As Arranged | As Incurred | Petro Franchise |
| Computer System | $30,000 - | Lump Sum | As Incurred | Petro Franchise |
| Installation Fee | $50,000 | |||
| Leasing | $0 – | Lump Sum | As Incurred | Petro Franchise |
| Review Fee | $7,500 | |||
| Financing Review Fee | $0 – $7,500 | Lump Sum | As Incurred | Petro Franchise |
| Real Estate Leasing | $0 – | Installment | As Arranged | Landlord |
| Costs for 3 Months 5 | $800,000 | |||
| Site Improvements and | $10,000,000 - | As Arranged | As Arranged | Landlord or Contractors |
| Construction 6 | $38,000,000 | |||
| Equipment, Furniture & | $200,000 - | As Arranged | As Arranged | Vendors |
| Fixtures 7 | $6,512,000 | |||
| Computer System and | $140,000 – | As Incurred | As Arranged | TA Operating and Vendors |
| Software | $400,000 | |||
| Insurance 8 | $88,000 – $600,000 | As Incurred | As Arranged | Insurance Company |
| Additional Funds – 3 | $450,000 – | As Incurred | As Arranged | Vendors, Employees |
| Months 9 | $2,500,000 | |||
| Vehicles 10 | $0 - $350,000 | As Incurred | As Arranged | Vendors |
| Inventory | $345,000 - $1,500,000 | As Incurred | As Arranged | Vendors |
| Soft Costs, Professional Fees, Permits and Bonds11 | $25,000 - $1,000 |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 32–37)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Petro Stopping Center Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment for the computer system ranges from $140,000 to $400,000. This cost is paid as incurred and is typically paid to TA Operating and other vendors.
This investment covers the necessary computer hardware and software required to operate the Petro Stopping Center effectively. The wide range suggests that the final cost will depend on the specific software solutions chosen, the complexity of the system, and the number of terminals or workstations needed. It is important to note that this cost is in addition to a separate 'Computer System' line item, which is listed as $30,000, with an additional $50,000 for the installation fee.
Prospective franchisees should carefully evaluate their technology needs and budget accordingly, keeping in mind that an efficient computer system is crucial for managing various aspects of the business, including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, and customer service. It would be prudent to discuss with Petro Stopping Center the specifics of the required and recommended systems to better understand the factors driving the cost and to explore options for potentially reducing expenses without compromising functionality.
Given the significant investment, franchisees should also inquire about ongoing maintenance, software updates, and technical support costs associated with the computer system to accurately forecast long-term operational expenses.