Does the Aplus Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire ask if the franchisee understands the risks of operating the Aplus Store?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
| [PLEASE RESPOND WITH YES OR NO TO EACH QUESTION BELOW] |
|---|
| 1. |
| Have you received and personally reviewed Sunoco Retail LLC Franchise Agreement and each |
| exhibit, addendum and schedule attached to it? |
| 2. |
| Do you understand all of the information contained in the Franchise Agreement and each exhibit |
| and schedule attached to it? |
| If "No", what parts of the Franchise Agreement do you not understand? (Attach additional pages, if |
| necessary.) |
| 3. |
| Have you received and personally reviewed our disclosure document we provided to you? |
| 4. |
| Do you understand all of the information contained in the disclosure document? |
| If "No", what parts of the disclosure document do you not understand? (Attach additional pages, if |
| necessary.) |
| 5. |
| Have you discussed the benefits and risks of operating the APLUS Store with an attorney, |
| accountant or other professional advisor and do you understand those risks? |
| 6. |
| Do you understand that the success or failure of your business will depend in large part upon your |
| skills and abilities, competition from other businesses, interest rates, inflation, labor and supply costs, lease |
| terms and other economic and business factors? |
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire does address the franchisee's understanding of the risks involved in operating an Aplus store. Specifically, the questionnaire asks: "Have you discussed the benefits and risks of operating the APLUS Store with an attorney, accountant or other professional advisor and do you understand those risks?" This question aims to confirm that prospective franchisees have sought professional advice and comprehend the potential downsides of the business venture.
This inquiry is crucial for Aplus to ensure that franchisees are entering the agreement with informed consent. By acknowledging that they have considered the risks, franchisees demonstrate a level of preparedness and understanding that can contribute to their success. This also protects Aplus from potential future claims that franchisees were not aware of the challenges involved.
Furthermore, the questionnaire includes a question about understanding that the success or failure of the business depends on the franchisee's skills, competition, economic factors, and other business-related elements. This reinforces the importance of the franchisee's role and the external factors that can impact the Aplus store's performance. This comprehensive approach to risk assessment in the Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire highlights Aplus's commitment to transparency and franchisee education.