Is the Aplus Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire intended to identify inaccurate statements or promises?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
As you know, Sunoco Retail LLC and you are preparing to enter into a Franchise Agreement for the operation of an APLUS Store. In this Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire, Sunoco Retail LLC will be referred to as "we" or "us." The purpose of this Questionnaire is to determine whether any statements or promises were made to you that we did not authorize and that may be untrue, inaccurate or misleading. Please review each of the following questions carefully and provide honest and complete responses to each question.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire is used to determine if unauthorized, untrue, inaccurate, or misleading statements or promises were made to prospective franchisees. The questionnaire requires prospective franchisees to answer truthfully about their understanding of the Franchise Agreement and any representations made by Aplus employees or representatives.
Specifically, the questionnaire asks whether any employee or person speaking on behalf of Aplus made statements or promises about the Aplus store that contradict the information in the disclosure document. It also addresses statements about the likelihood of success or promises concerning advertising, marketing, training, support services, or assistance that differ from what's in the disclosure document.
By signing the Franchisee Disclosure Questionnaire, the franchisee confirms that they have answered the questions truthfully and that Aplus will rely on these answers. However, prospective franchisees in Maryland are exempt from completing the questionnaire or responding to any of the questions. Furthermore, for Maryland residents, any representations requiring prospective franchisees to assent to a release, estoppel, or waiver of liability do not act as a release, estoppel, or waiver of any liability incurred under the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law.