What are the Aplus franchisee's obligations regarding the display of signs at the franchised business premises?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
s Section 10.2. and the construction requirement under this Agreement including Attachment 1 of this Agreement, shall be the renovation of the Franchised Business in accordance with the provisions of the predecessor franchise agreement. The Franchisor on its sole discretion, may allow the Franchisee to complete the renovation after signing this Agreement, the renovation must be completed in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and any attachment thereto by the date specified by the Franchisor.
- (a) Franchisee shall make no changes to any building, plan, design, layout or décor, or any equipment or signage in the Franchise business without our prior written consent, and such changes may not be contrary to required specifications.
- (b) Signs: Franchisee shall prominently display, at the Franchisee's expense, both on the interior and exterior of the Franchised Business premises, signs in such form, color, number, location and size, and containing such Marks as the Franchisor designates. The Franchisor also may require the Franchisee to use illuminated signs. The Franchisee shall obtain all permits and licenses required for such signs and will also be responsible for ensuring that all signs comply with laws and ordinances. The Franchisee shall not display in or upon the Franchised Business premises any sign or advertising of any kind to which the Franchisor objects. The Franchisor reserves the right to require the Franchisee to update the signage ant any time at the Franchisee's expense.
- (c) Services: The Franchisee shall conform to all quality and customer services standards prescribed by the Franchisor in writing.
10.3. Variance
Franchisor has the right to vary standards or specifications for any franchisee based upon that particular franchisee's qualifications, the peculiarities of the particular site or circumstances, the demographics of the trade area, business potential, existing business practices or any other condition which Franchisor deems to be of importance to the successful operation of any particular Franchised Business. Franchisor shall not be required to disclose or grant to Franchisee a like or similar variance hereunder.
11. ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
11.1. Marketing Fee.
Franchisor has established and administers a System-wide marketing, advertising and promotion program to facilitate regional advertising and marketing efforts. Beginning on the Commencement Date Franchisee shall contribute to the marketing program a marketing fee not to exceed the lesser of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) or two percent (2%) of monthly Gross Sales ("Marketing Fee"), currently seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) per month.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are obligated to display signs at their franchised business premises. Aplus requires franchisees to prominently display signs, both inside and outside the premises, at the franchisee's expense. These signs must adhere to the form, color, number, location, and size specifications designated by Aplus, and may include illuminated signs if required by Aplus.
The franchisee is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and licenses for the signs, ensuring they comply with all applicable laws and ordinances. Franchisees cannot display any signs or advertising that Aplus objects to. Aplus retains the right to require franchisees to update signage at any time, with the franchisee bearing the cost.
Furthermore, franchisees must operate the Franchised Business so that it is clearly identified and advertised as an APLUS Store. Franchisees must use the trademark "APLUS" and other Marks that form a part of the System, on all signs, suppliers, business cards, uniforms, advertising materials, Technology platforms, signs and other articles in the identical combination and manner as Aplus may prescribe in writing. Franchisees must supply samples and photographs of these items to Aplus upon request and comply with all trademark, trade name, service mark and copyright notice marking requirements.