Can an Aerus franchisee operate from multiple pre-authorized physical locations?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
time by us.
The type of businesses operated under each of these programs possess each of the four following characteristics: (i) they are identified by the Marks, (ii) they are primarily engaged in the offer and sale of the Products, to either (a) non-commercial, residential buyers of the Products, or (b) commercial buyers who are not designated in the Manuals as "national accounts" and who are not engaged, and not anticipated to be engaged, in the sale of any cleaning, purification, health improvement or other consumer products or services, who, in either case, are purchasing the Products for such customer's use or consumption and not for re-sale ("Approved Customers"), (iii) they operate from one or more pre-authorized physical locations that serve as retail locations, service centers, recruiting and training centers (each, an "Approved Location"), and (iv) they operate in accordance with the System.
Although the type of businesses operated under each of the programs are similar, there are key and important differences in the programs. Associate Program franchisees may only operate from a single approved location, while Standard Program franchisees may, with our approval, open additional locations. Whether a franchisee is under the Association Program or Standard Program affects the prices at which the franchisee may sell consigned products, with Standard Program franchisees entitled to more favorable pricing. Some of the additional key differences between the programs are summarized below and are noted throughout this Disclosure Document. Unless otherwise noted in this Disclosure Document, the programs are similar.
| Program | May open additional Satellites or Outlets with our approval | Service & Repair Center | Minimum Sales Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Program | Yes | Must maintain service and repair center within Approved Location | Generally, No less than 45 Core Units per Approved Location per Quarter plus 80% of average Gross Sales of aftermarket, labor and parts per quarter |
| Associate Program | No | May maintain service and repair center within Approved Location or contract with another Aerus Business to dis |
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Aerus FDD, the ability to operate from multiple pre-authorized physical locations depends on the franchise program selected. Aerus offers two franchise programs: the Standard Program and the Associate Program. Businesses operating under both programs share characteristics such as identification by the Aerus Marks, engagement in the sale of Aerus Products to Approved Customers, operation in accordance with the Aerus System, and operation from one or more pre-authorized physical locations that serve as retail locations, service centers, recruiting, and training centers.
However, a key difference between the two programs is the ability to operate from multiple locations. Associate Program franchisees are restricted to a single approved location. In contrast, Standard Program franchisees may, with Aerus's approval, open additional locations. These additional locations can be either full-scale or limited-scale. Limited-scale locations can be Satellites, which are managed directly by the franchisee, or Licensed Outlets, which are managed by persons or entities contracted by the franchisee (Outlet Licensees).
This distinction has significant implications for prospective franchisees. The Standard Program offers greater potential for expansion and market penetration, but it also likely involves higher initial investment and operational complexity. The Associate Program provides a more streamlined, single-location model, which may be suitable for franchisees seeking a simpler business operation. The FDD also notes that some states may impose additional requirements or regulations on Outlet Licensees, which could further restrict the availability of this option in certain areas. Therefore, a prospective franchisee should carefully consider their business goals, financial resources, and risk tolerance when choosing between the Standard and Associate Programs.