There is exempted from the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 31110) of Part 2 of the Law, any offer or sale of a franchise which would be subject to registration solely because the franchisee by the agreement with the franchisor is obligated to pay in addition to any sums for which the exemption of Section 310.011 of these rules is available, a sum of not exceeding $1,000 annually on account of the purchase price or rental of fixtures, equipment or other tangible property to be utilized in, and necessary for, the operation of the franchised business, of the price or rental so charged does not exceed the cost which would be incurred by the franchisee acquiring the item or items from other persons or in the open market.