Can an Aerus franchisee sell to 'national accounts'?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally permitted to sell to commercial buyers, but with a specific restriction regarding 'national accounts.' Aerus franchisees can sell products to commercial buyers who are not designated as 'national accounts' in the company's manuals. Additionally, these commercial buyers must not be engaged in the sale of cleaning, purification, health improvement, or other related consumer products or services.
This restriction means that an Aerus franchisee's target market for commercial sales is limited to businesses that are not classified by Aerus as 'national accounts' and that do not resell similar products or services. The FDD specifies that the commercial buyers should be purchasing the products for their own use or consumption, not for resale. This distinction is important because it prevents franchisees from competing with Aerus's direct sales channels or other distribution agreements that Aerus may have with larger, national-level clients.
For a prospective franchisee, it is crucial to understand how Aerus defines 'national accounts' in its manuals. This definition will directly impact the franchisee's ability to pursue commercial sales opportunities. The franchisee should ask Aerus for a clear list or description of what constitutes a 'national account' to avoid any potential conflicts or breaches of the franchise agreement. Understanding this limitation is essential for developing a realistic business plan and sales strategy.