Is an Aplus franchisee allowed to accept cryptocurrency or tokens as payment?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
(c) All of your Computer Systems must be compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards, including without limitation those laws, regulations, and commonly accepted industry standards relating to privacy, data security, and the processing and protection of confidential personal information, including without limitation the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards and all other standards applicable to electronic payments that may be published from time to time by payment card companies.
13.11 Programs and Other Specific Merchandise Programs
From time to time, Franchisor may require Franchisee to participate in APLUS or SUNOCO proprietary programs or specific merchandise programs as described in the Manual or otherwise developed in the future ("Programs"). Programs may include, but are not limited to, proprietary programs, proprietary payment systems, specific product offerings and/or promotions (such as foods and beverages identified by us), Franchisor's approved prepaid programs, such as gift cards, phone cards, and other related telecommunications products, ATM program, and APLUS rewards and/or customer loyalty program, as more detailed in the Manual. Franchisor has no obligation to test a Program before requiring Franchisee to participate, and Franchisor reserves all right to determine which franchisees may participate in Programs. Franchisor reserves all right to determine in its sole discretion which Programs Franchisee may qualify for, and Franchisee is required to participate in Programs that Franchisor requires and pay the respective fees associated with each Program. Franchisee is required to pay any associated third party fees related to these programs, which Franchisor may pass down to Franchisee. As stipulated, Franchisee will be required to purchase and install such equipment, merchandise, and/or products to comply with participation within each given program, and be required to pay additional respective fees upon written notice to Franchisee by Franchisor. Programs may evolve and change from time to time, including the fees that may be owed to Franchisor. Franchisor may provide a minimum of ten (10) days written notice to Franchisee before requiring compliance under any required Programs or payment of associated fees
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
Based on the 2024 Aplus Franchise Disclosure Document, there is no explicit mention of whether franchisees are permitted to accept cryptocurrency or tokens as payment. However, the document does state that franchisees must comply with all standards applicable to electronic payments. Aplus reserves the right to implement technology initiatives, which could include specific payment systems.
The FDD states that Aplus may require franchisees to participate in specific merchandise programs, which may include proprietary payment systems. Franchisees are obligated to purchase and install equipment to comply with these programs and pay associated fees. Aplus also requires franchisees to maintain computer systems that are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to data security and the processing of confidential personal information, as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards.
Given the lack of explicit information regarding cryptocurrency, prospective Aplus franchisees should directly inquire with Aplus about their policy on accepting cryptocurrencies or tokens. It would be prudent to understand if future technology initiatives might include or exclude such payment methods. Franchisees should also clarify whether any specific equipment or software would be required to handle such transactions and what associated costs or fees might be involved.