What is included in the Administration and Technical Support Fee regarding software updates and revisions for Aerus proprietary software?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
There is no contractual limitation on our right to access and use this information.
You will be responsible for all maintenance and insurance of the hardware and equipment, and will also be responsible for all third party software purchases and licensing fees. We will maintain and provide to you software updates and revisions for any proprietary software which we provide. You must maintain at all times hardware and software that complies with our specifications detailed in the Manuals in order to properly run our proprietary software programs. Our proprietary accounting software (FOAS) is, in effect, the cash register for the business. As updates of our proprietary software are available, they will be made available to you to upgrade on your computer systems. The cost of such upgrade is included in the Administration and Technical Support Fee (see the Franchise Agreement, Schedule 3). We reserve the right to reasonably require
your computer hardware and software be maintained and upgraded as necessary at your expense. No contractual limitations exist in frequency or cost of the maintenance and/or upgrades to this equipment.
We estimate the cost of purchasing the required computer system, hardware and software will range from $1,200 to $2,200. In addition, you will need to pay the Administ
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 36–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Aerus Franchise Disclosure Document, the Administration and Technical Support Fee covers the cost of software updates and revisions for any proprietary software that Aerus provides to its franchisees. Aerus uses a proprietary accounting software called FOAS, which functions as the cash register system for the business. As updates become available, Aerus will provide them to franchisees for installation on their computer systems, and the cost for these upgrades is included in the Administration and Technical Support Fee.
However, franchisees are responsible for maintaining their computer hardware and software to comply with Aerus's specifications, as detailed in the manuals. Aerus reserves the right to require franchisees to maintain and upgrade their computer hardware and software as necessary, and these costs are the franchisee's responsibility. The FDD specifies that there are no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of these maintenance and/or upgrades to the franchisee's equipment.
Prospective Aerus franchisees should be aware that while the Administration and Technical Support Fee covers the cost of Aerus's proprietary software updates, they will also need to budget for the initial purchase of a computer system, hardware, and software, which Aerus estimates will range from $1,200 to $2,200. Additionally, franchisees must be prepared to cover the costs of any required hardware or software maintenance and upgrades, as these are not limited by the franchise agreement.