Is an Aerus Standard Program franchisee required to maintain a service and repair center?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Program | May open additional Satellites or Outlets with our approval | Service & Repair Center | Minimum Sales Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Program | Yes | Must maintain service and repair center within Approved Location | Generally, No less than 45 Core Units per Approved Location per Quarter plus 80% of average Gross Sales of aftermarket, labor and parts per quarter |
| Associate Program | No | May maintain service and repair center within Approved Location or contract with another Aerus Business to discharge all service and repair obligations | Generally, 30 Core Units per Approved Location per Quarter plus 80% of average Gross Sales of aftermarket, labor and parts per quarter |
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, a Standard Program franchisee is required to maintain a service and repair center within their approved location. This is a key difference between the Standard and Associate programs. Associate Program franchisees have the option to maintain their own service center or contract with another Aerus business to handle these obligations.
This requirement for Standard Program franchisees ensures that they can provide comprehensive service and repair support to their customers directly. This can improve customer satisfaction and build stronger relationships within their territory. It also means that Standard Program franchisees must invest in the equipment, training, and personnel necessary to operate a service and repair center.
In contrast, the Associate Program offers more flexibility by allowing franchisees to outsource service and repair work. This can reduce overhead costs and simplify operations, but it may also limit control over the quality and timeliness of service. The choice between the Standard and Associate programs depends on the franchisee's business goals, resources, and preferences.
Prospective franchisees should carefully consider the implications of this requirement when deciding which program to pursue. The need to maintain a service and repair center will impact the initial investment, ongoing operating costs, and the overall complexity of the business. It is important to evaluate whether the benefits of providing in-house service and repair outweigh the costs and challenges.