What is the minimum amount an Aerus franchisee must expend on local advertising, as described in the Disclosure Document?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as described in this Disclosure Document and in the Franchise Agreement and the Manuals, we do not conduct for your benefit or require you to participate in any group advertising program.
You must make all commercially reasonable efforts to advertise and promote the Franchised Business in the Area of Responsibility, expending an amount equal to at least the Minimum Local Advertising Fee described in this Disclosure Document. You must submit samples of all advertising and promotional materials to us for approval prior to its use. No advertisement or promotional material may be placed outside the Area of Responsibility, and you may not conduct any national or international advertising of any kind, including any internet advertising (except in very limited circumstances and subject to our written approval). You must advertise at all times in the manner designated by us in the Manuals or otherwise in writing, using formats approved by us in advance; provided, that we may require that all such advertising be placed by us or a third party designated by us, and at your expense. (Franchise Agreement, Section 11).
We are not obligated to spend any amount on advertising in your Area of Responsibility. We may in the future establish a System Media Fund (the "System Media Fund"). If we establish the System Media Fund, you (and other franchisees with your franchise program) would be required to contribute up to 3% of Gross Sales to the System Media Fund. (Franchise Agreement, Addendum B). In addition:
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 36–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must make commercially reasonable efforts to advertise and promote their franchised business within their Area of Responsibility. This includes spending at least the amount of the Minimum Local Advertising Fee, which is described elsewhere in the Disclosure Document. Franchisees must submit samples of all advertising and promotional materials to Aerus for approval before use.
Aerus restricts where franchisees can place advertisements, prohibiting placements outside the Area of Responsibility and banning national or international advertising, including most internet advertising, unless specifically approved in writing by Aerus. Aerus also mandates that franchisees adhere to the advertising formats outlined in the manuals or in writing, and Aerus retains the right to have all advertising placed by themselves or a designated third party, with the franchisee bearing the expense.
Aerus does not commit to spending any amount on advertising within a franchisee's Area of Responsibility. However, Aerus may choose to establish a System Media Fund in the future. Should this fund be created, franchisees would be required to contribute up to 3% of their Gross Sales to it, as detailed in Addendum B of the Franchise Agreement.