Can Aerus franchisees extend the Franchisor Consumer Warranty?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We or our affiliate offer certain warranties in connection with Consigned Products for the benefit of Approved Customers (the "Franchisor Consumer Warranties"). Neither you, nor any of your Outlet Licensees or sales representatives, may represent or suggest that we or our affiliate have or will provide any warranty, express or implied, other than the Franchisor Consumer Warranty. You may not extend the Franchisor Consumer Warranty or provide or offer additional warranties above and beyond the Franchisor Consumer Warranty. You must honor and provide service in connection with any Franchisor Consumer Warranty. Under the Associate Program, if you are not required to maintain a service and repair center at your Approved Location, your obligations to provide service in connection with any Franchisor Consumer Warranty must be met by entering into a contractual arrangement (approved by us) with an existing owner of an Aerus Business.
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 29–33)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from extending the Franchisor Consumer Warranty or offering additional warranties beyond what Aerus provides. Aerus or its affiliate offers certain warranties for the benefit of approved customers. Franchisees, their Outlet Licensees, and sales representatives cannot represent or suggest that Aerus will provide any warranty other than the Franchisor Consumer Warranty. However, franchisees must honor and provide service in connection with any Franchisor Consumer Warranty.
This restriction ensures uniformity and quality control across the Aerus franchise system. By standardizing the warranty offered, Aerus aims to maintain a consistent brand image and customer experience. This protects both the franchisor and other franchisees from potential liabilities or misrepresentations made by individual franchisees.
For a prospective franchisee, this means adhering strictly to the warranty terms set by Aerus. They cannot independently offer extended warranties or make promises beyond the scope of the Franchisor Consumer Warranty. Failure to comply with this policy could result in a breach of the franchise agreement. Under the Associate Program, if a franchisee is not required to maintain a service and repair center at their Approved Location, their obligations to provide service in connection with any Franchisor Consumer Warranty must be met by entering into a contractual arrangement (approved by Aerus) with an existing owner of an Aerus Business.
This policy is fairly common in franchising, where franchisors seek to maintain tight control over branding and customer service. Franchisees should carefully review the terms of the Franchisor Consumer Warranty and ensure they can adequately fulfill their service obligations under it.