Where can I find the definition of 'Marketing Fee' for an Aplus franchise?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
"Leased APLUS Store" means an APLUS Store that is operated by the Franchisee, and the Franchisor owns or has a direct property interest in the premises or equipment in the APLUS Store.
"Marketing Fee" has the meaning given to such term in Section 11.1.
"Marketing Program" has the meaning given to it in Section 11.1.1.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Marketing Fee" can be found in Section 11.1. Additionally, Section 11.1.1 defines "Marketing Program".
The Marketing Fee is used for the Marketing Program, which may include expenditures for administering the program, local, regional, or System-wide offers and promotions, market research, product testing and placement, and producing, maintaining, administering, and directing consumer advertising.
Aplus oversees all marketing programs and has sole control over creative concepts, products, services, offers, materials, and media used in such programs, including their placement and allocation. Aplus does not guarantee that any franchisee will directly benefit from the Marketing Program expenditures, and the programs may be local, regional, or System-wide. Aplus has the sole right to determine how Marketing Fees will be spent and has no fiduciary obligation to franchisees regarding the administration, determinations, or expenditures of these fees. The Marketing Fee is not a trust or escrow, and Aplus is not obligated to spend all collected fees in any particular market or fiscal year, nor is it obligated to provide reports on Marketing Fee expenditures. Aplus may use a Designated Service Provider to perform its duties related to marketing.