Are Aerus franchisees under the Associate Program permitted to open additional Approved Locations, Satellites or Licensed Outlets?

According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operating under the Associate Program are not allowed to open additional Approved Locations, Satellites, or Licensed Outlets. This restriction differentiates the Associate Program from the Standard Program, which does allow franchisees to operate multiple locations with prior approval from Aerus. The Standard Program offers options for full-scale Approved Locations as well as limited-scale locations known as 'Satellites' or 'Licensed Outlets.' Satellites are directly managed by the franchisee, while Licensed Outlets are managed by contracted individuals or entities referred to as 'Outlet Licensees.'

This limitation on expansion for Associate Program franchisees has significant implications for their growth potential and business strategy. Unlike Standard Program franchisees who can extend their reach through additional locations, Associate Program franchisees must focus on maximizing their business within a single Approved Location. This may involve intensifying sales efforts, optimizing customer service, or exploring other avenues for revenue generation within their existing territory. The FDD explicitly states that references to Satellites, Outlet Licensees, and Licensed Outlets do not apply to the Associate Program, reinforcing the restriction on operating multiple locations.

Prospective franchisees considering the Associate Program should carefully evaluate whether this restriction aligns with their long-term business goals. While the Associate Program may offer other benefits, such as potentially outsourcing repair and maintenance services, the inability to expand through additional locations could limit overall growth potential. It is crucial for potential franchisees to discuss these limitations with Aerus and fully understand the implications before making a final decision.