What is the current monthly Technology Fee that Aplus franchisees must pay to Sunoco?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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- 5.3. Electronic Communications Equipment
- 5.3.1. Unless otherwise stipulated, Sunoco will supply and maintain your back-office operating system for the purposes of official Sunoco business use. The components of the Sunoco back office operating system will be determined by Sunoco, in its sole discretion, and as described in the Manual. During the term of this Agreement, Sunoco will have full access to the data contained in or processed through the back-office operating system.
- 5.3.2. You must pay Sunoco a technology fee that is currently $330 per month fee, which may be increased up to $600 ("Technology Fee"). The Technology Fee covers access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail set up, e-mail hosting (for one e-mail address), and other technology that may be required in the future. Sunoco may permit the use of existing systems and licenses provided such meets Sunoco's specifications and is in good operating condition. In such event, Sunoco reserves the right to reduce your monthly fee. Sunoco reserves the right on a minimum of thirty (30) day notice to you to change the system requirements/providers. In such event, Sunoco reserves the right to increase the monthly fee to reflect any additional expenses inc
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must pay Sunoco a monthly Technology Fee. The current fee is $330 per month, but Sunoco retains the right to increase it up to $600. This Technology Fee provides franchisees with access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail setup, and e-mail hosting for one e-mail address, as well as other technology that may be required in the future.
Sunoco may allow franchisees to use existing systems and licenses if they meet Sunoco's specifications and are in good working order. In this case, Sunoco reserves the right to reduce the monthly fee. However, Sunoco can change the system requirements or providers with a minimum of thirty days' notice.
If Sunoco changes the system or provider, it reserves the right to increase the monthly fee to cover any additional expenses incurred as a result of the change. Franchisees are also required to comply with the APLUS Retail Automation Program, as detailed in the Manual, and must ensure that all automated communications equipment, hardware, and software necessary for the APLUS Store's operation and electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems are installed, maintained, and upgraded according to Sunoco's current standards.