Under what circumstances might Aerus reduce or finance initial fees for franchisees?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In certain circumstances, we may reduce initial fees and finance initial fees for our existing franchisees, people working for our existing franchisees and franchisees opening or operating multiple locations. Last year, the initial fees ranged from approximately $5,000 to $16,000.
Except as described above, initial fees are uniformly imposed and nonrefundable and we do not offer financing for the initial franchise fees.
As an incentive to recruit new franchisees into the business, we may waive or discount the initial franchise fee. For franchises in certain states (including Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Virginia and Washington), a good faith deposit is not required and the initial franchise fee will be deferred until your business is open and operational.
We may require that you pay us a good faith deposit of $100, together with delivering to us a commitment letter, a sample of which is attached as Exhibit 7 to this Disclosure Document, before we will send an execution copy of the Franchise Agreement to you. The requirement of the $100 good faith deposit is dependent upon information disclosed to us in your application, such as work history, credit worthiness, previous franchise experience, references and/or previous work history with us or other Aerus franchisees. If we require the good faith deposit, it will be applied to the initial franchise fee and is only refundable if we choose not to enter into the Franchise Agreement with you.
Source: Item 5 — Initial Fees (FDD pages 17–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in certain situations, Aerus may reduce or finance initial fees for existing franchisees, individuals working for existing franchisees, and franchisees who are opening or operating multiple locations. The initial fees last year ranged from approximately $5,000 to $16,000. Aerus may also waive or discount the initial franchise fee as an incentive to recruit new franchisees. For franchises in certain states, including Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Virginia, and Washington, a good faith deposit is not required, and the initial franchise fee will be deferred until the business is open and operational.
It is important to note that, outside of these specific circumstances, initial fees are uniformly imposed and nonrefundable, and Aerus does not typically offer financing for these fees. Prospective franchisees should confirm whether they qualify for any of these potential reductions or financing options. The initial franchise fee varies depending on the program selected. The Standard Program has an initial franchise fee of $3,000, while the Associate Program has a $1,000 initial franchise fee. Both the Standard and Associate programs under the Beyond Addendum have an initial fee of $100.
Furthermore, Aerus may require a good faith deposit of $100 before sending an execution copy of the Franchise Agreement, depending on information disclosed in the application, such as work history, creditworthiness, previous franchise experience, references, or previous work history with Aerus or other Aerus franchisees. This deposit is applied to the initial franchise fee and is refundable only if Aerus chooses not to enter into the Franchise Agreement. This deposit is not required in certain states, including Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Virginia and Washington.