When does the Aplus franchise agreement begin, according to the FDD?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
5. FRANCHISED BUSINESS
5.1. Franchised Business Location and Site Selection
The address of the approved location for the Franchised Business is described, or if not yet identified as of the Effective Date, is described on Attachment 1 ("Key Terms"). You must identify and acquire a site for the APLUS Store within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date of this Agreement. The site must meet Franchisor's then-current site selection criteria, and must otherwise be mutually acceptable to you and to Franchisor. Franchisor will approve or reject your site within thirty (30) days of receiving your application and all required information. Franchisor may assist you in site selection, in its sole discretion, which assistance may include making available to you the services of an internal development management team or a designated third party tenant representative consulting firm. If required, you must use the services of a designated tenant representative consulting firm and pay any fees imposed by the firm. Although Franchisor or its tenant representative may propose sites for your consideration, you understand that ultimate site selection is solely your choice and your responsibility. If an acceptable site is not found by the Franchisee and approved by the Franchisor within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date, then Franchisor reserves the right to terminate this Agreement. Franchisor may utilize a Designated Service Provider to perform any of its duties under this Section 5.1 and Section 5 generally.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement's start is linked to an "Effective Date," and the franchisee has 30 days from this date to identify a location for their Aplus store. This date is important because several key deadlines and obligations are tied to it.
Specifically, the franchisee must find a site that meets Aplus's criteria and is mutually agreeable within this initial 30-day window. Aplus has the discretion to assist with site selection, potentially involving an internal team or a third-party consultant, but the final decision rests with the franchisee.
If a suitable site isn't secured and approved within 90 days of the Effective Date, Aplus retains the right to terminate the franchise agreement. This highlights the importance of proactive site selection and communication with Aplus during the initial phase of the agreement.