1851

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/supplier/?limit=12&amp;page=1&amp;sort=name&amp;order=ASC&amp;category=9">Franchise technology</a> is the backbone of modern franchise business opportunities, helping franchisees streamline operations, manage customer relationships, and scale effectively. Choosing the right IT supplier is critical, and as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-n-64352b157/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=it-supplier-franchise-technology-2728766" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jason Neef</a>, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://kicksite.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=it-supplier-franchise-technology-2728766" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kicksite</a>, explains, franchisees need to approach this decision with careful consideration. With nearly two decades of experience working with franchise businesses, Neef offers valuable insights into selecting the right technology partner for a franchise from the supplier’s point of view.<h2>Understand Your Franchise Needs Before Evaluating IT Suppliers</h2>"Before evaluating software, franchisees need to understand their business structure — how they operate, how they handle fees and what their growth objectives are," Neef said. "If they have a clear picture of what the franchisee needs to be successful and what the franchisor expects, they can approach software evaluations knowing exactly what they require and what the supplier must deliver."<h2>Industry-Specific Experience Is Essential</h2>Franchise suppliers vary widely in expertise, and it's crucial to work with a provider that understands your sector. "You need to make sure the supplier specializes in your industry," Neef said. "For example, Kicksite’s specialty is in management solutions for martial arts schools. We wouldn’t be of any value to a restaurant franchise because our experience doesn't apply."Once franchisees narrow their search to industry-specific providers, they should assess longevity and credibility. "Anyone can present a polished website and claim to be the best," Neef said. "I could sit in my basement, working in my pajamas with no real support, but online it could look like I run a phenomenal company. That’s why it’s so important to verify experience, not just within your industry but also in how long they’ve been around. Your franchisees will rely on these suppliers, so their reputation reflects on you."<h2>The Importance of Service Level Agreements</h2>A service level agreement (SLA) defines the relationship between the franchise and the IT supplier. "SLAs are critically important," Neef said. "Everyone using our platform must agree to our terms of service, which outline deliverables and expectations from both sides."According to Neef, franchisors should establish two separate SLAs, one between the supplier and the franchisor and one between the supplier and franchisees. "The franchisor needs to set clear guidelines on how the IT provider should support their network, and franchisees need to know what level of service they can expect,” he said. “The agreements may look different, but both are necessary."<h2>Assessing an IT Supplier’s Longevity and Stability</h2>"A company that has been around for a decade or two has clearly figured out how to take care of customers," Neef said. "It’s difficult to assess a private company’s financial stability, but there are ways to gauge reliability. Look at how long they’ve been in business and how many employees they have."Franchise marketing strategies often depend on reliable IT solutions, so stability is key. "Google reviews tell you a lot," Neef said. "They don’t necessarily reveal financial stability, but they provide insight into how well a company serves its customers. If a business has been around for years and has strong reviews, that’s a good sign."<h2>Scalability Matters When Choosing a Supplier</h2>A franchise technology solution should grow alongside the business. "Once you know what the software needs to deliver, you should ask suppliers about their ability to scale," Neef said. "How many developers do they have? Are they offshore or in-house? How quickly can they adapt if your business expands?"Scalability isn’t just about handling more locations. It also applies to data and communication needs. "If I want to send emails or text messages, can the system handle it? What happens if I go from sending 1,000 messages a month to 100,000?" Neef said. "These are the questions franchisees should ask to ensure their IT partner can support long-term growth."<h2>Verifying Quality and Reliability</h2>"Google reviews are an unbiased way to gauge quality," Neef said. "They won’t tell you everything, but they give insight into customer experiences. Another factor is infrastructure — how is the company structured? How many people do they have handling support and onboarding?"How an IT supplier responds to negative feedback also matters. "The way a company handles bad reviews says a lot about how they’ll treat you," Neef said. "Franchisees should also look at a supplier’s website and social media presence. Are they focused on their customers’ success, or are they just promoting themselves?"<h2>Choosing an IT Supplier That Puts Your Franchise First</h2>An IT supplier’s messaging can reveal a lot about its priorities. "When you look at a company's website or social media, pay attention to how they communicate," Neef said. "Are they focused on how great they are, or are they focused on helping your business succeed? A good partner should be more concerned about your success than their own."Franchise technology plays a critical role in business success. By thoroughly vetting IT suppliers, franchisees can ensure they partner with a company that not only provides the right tools but also supports long-term growth and reliability.1851 Franchise's Supplier Database is designed to help franchises find the right supplier. If you're looking for help with finances, marketing, real estate or other services for your business, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/supplier/">https://1851franchise.com/supplier/</a>.

Choose the Right IT Supplier for Your Franchise - Franchise Technology Solutions - 1851 Franchise

How To Choose the Right IT Supplier for Your Franchise | Franchise Technology Guide

1851 Franchise

Selecting the right IT supplier is crucial for franchise success, requiring industry expertise, scalability, strong service agreements, and proven reliability in franchise technology.

Franchise Technology Solutions: How To Choose the Right IT Supplier for Your Franchise

it-supplier-franchise-technology

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Eyes Southern Connecticut for Strategic Franchise Expansion

sola-salons-eyes-southern-connecticut-for-strategic-franchise-expansion

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location with people walking around outside

Woodhouse Spas: A Recession-Resistant Franchise Opportunity With Unmatched Support

woodhouse-spas-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Photo of powerlifter, wearing red singlet and white socks, preparing to deadlift

The 5 Business and Life Lessons I Learned from Powerlifting

the-5-business-and-life-lessons-i-learned-from-powerlifting

Consulting and Development | Big Sky Franchise Team — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

Big Sky Franchise Team: Expert Consulting for Scalable Growth

consulting-and-development-big-sky-franchise-team-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

franchise supplier award design with Locate AI logo and 1851 Franchise badge

Franchise Real Estate Services | Locate AI — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

locate-ai-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci

Franchise Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence | Qvinci — Emerging Leaders in Franchise Support

franchise-financial-reporting-analytics-and-business-intelligence-qvinci-emerging-leaders-in-franchise-support

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Franchise Technology Solutions: How To Choose the Right IT Supplier for Your Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS