How does the business experience of Aerus's management (Item 2) relate to the initial fees required (Item 5)?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
th Deposit and Initial Franchise Fee
We may require that you pay us a good faith deposit of $100, together with delivering to us a commitment letter, a sample of which is attached as Exhibit 7 to this Disclosure Document, before we will send an execution copy of the Franchise Agreement to you. The requirement of the $100 good faith deposit is dependent upon information disclosed to us in your application, such as work history, credit worthiness, previous franchise experience, references and/or previous work history with us or other Aerus franchisees. If we require the good faith deposit, it will be applied to the initial franchise fee and is only refundable if we choose not to enter into the Franchise Agreement with you. You must pay us the following non-refundable initial franchise fee at the time you sign
a Franchise Agreement, which will vary depending on the type of Franchised Business you wish to operate:
| Program | Initial Franchise Fee (less the amount of any good faith deposit paid) |
|---|---|
| Standard Program | $3,000 |
| Associate Program | $1,000 |
| Beyond Addendum (Standard Program) | $100 |
| Beyond Addendum (Associate Program) | $100 |
| Inventory (Standard Program) | $15,000 to $90,000 |
| Inventory (Associate Program) | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Goodwill (Standard Program) | 0 to $200,000 |
| Goodwill (Associate Program) | 0 to $25,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (Standard | $2,500 to $15 |
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the business experience of Aerus's management is considered when determining whether a prospective franchisee is required to pay a good faith deposit. Aerus may require a $100 good faith deposit, along with a commitment letter, before sending an execution copy of the Franchise Agreement.
The decision to require this deposit is based on information disclosed in the franchise application, including work history, creditworthiness, previous franchise experience, references, and prior work history with Aerus or other Aerus franchisees. If Aerus requires the good faith deposit, it will be applied to the initial franchise fee and is only refundable if Aerus chooses not to enter into the Franchise Agreement with the applicant.
The initial franchise fee itself is non-refundable and varies depending on the type of franchised business the franchisee wishes to operate. In certain circumstances, Aerus may reduce initial fees and finance initial fees for existing franchisees, people working for existing franchisees, and franchisees opening or operating multiple locations. Last year, the initial fees ranged from approximately $5,000 to $16,000. Except as described above, initial fees are uniformly imposed.