What is the exception to the Approved Locations provisions for Aerus Licensed Outlets regarding repair, maintenance and warranty service?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Licensed Outlets must be subject to all provisions of the Franchise Agreement and the Manuals concerning Approved Locations, except that (i) repair, maintenance and warranty service may be provided by or at an affiliated Approved Location rather than on-site and, (ii) provided that, so long as we receive prompt notice of the establishment and location of a Licensed Outlet, we will not require prior approval of the site or lease for any Licensed Outlet.
Source: Item 12 — Territory (FDD pages 43–47)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Licensed Outlets must generally adhere to the Franchise Agreement and Manuals concerning Approved Locations. However, there is an exception regarding repair, maintenance, and warranty service. Specifically, these services may be provided by or at an affiliated Approved Location rather than on-site at the Licensed Outlet.
This exception offers flexibility in how Aerus franchisees manage service operations. Instead of requiring each Licensed Outlet to have its own service center, a franchisee can centralize these services at a main Approved Location. This could lead to cost savings by reducing the need for duplicate equipment and specialized staff at each outlet.
It's important to note that this exception applies only to Licensed Outlets operating under the Standard Program. Franchisees operating under the Associate Program are not permitted to open additional locations, Satellites, or Licensed Outlets, so this provision would not apply to them. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider which program best fits their business goals and operational capabilities.
This arrangement could streamline operations and potentially improve efficiency, but franchisees should carefully evaluate the logistical and customer service implications of providing off-site repair, maintenance, and warranty services. Clear communication and efficient coordination between the Licensed Outlet and the affiliated Approved Location will be crucial to ensure customer satisfaction.