Are Aplus franchisees required to enter into ongoing maintenance or support agreements for computer and software programs?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
o send and/or receive electronic mail through your computer.
You may have to enter into ongoing maintenance or support agreements for the maintenance of a computer or the various software programs. The annual costs of entering into maintenance, update, upgrading or support contracts are included in the range above. You may periodically be required to update or upgrade computer hardware and software, if we believe it is necessary. We may introduce new requirements or modify our specifications and requirements for computer and point-of-sale systems. We have the right to independently access all information you collect or compile at any time without first notifying you and there are no contractual limitations on our right to do so.
The computer system and/or any point-of-sale system for your APLUS Store will be dedicated for the operation of your APLUS business and used for no other purpose. All sales must be processed through the approved point-of-sale system and reported as gross sales and no other supplemental or secondary pointof-sale system may be used.
Information Systems and Technologies
We may designate the information system used in your APLUS Store, including the computer hardware, software other equipment and enhancements (the "Information System"). If you suspect or know of a security breach, you must immediately give notice of such security breach and promptly identify and remediate the source of any compromise of security breach at your expense. You assume all responsibility for providing all notices of breach or compromise and all duties to monitor credit histories and transactions concerning customers of the franchised business unless otherwise directed by us.
You are solely responsible for protecting yourself from disruptions, internet access failures, Internet content failures, and attacks by hackers and other unauthorized intruders and you waive any and all claims you may have against us or our affiliates as the direct or indirect result of such disruptions, security breach and promptly identify and remediate the source of any compromise of security breach at your expense. You assume all responsibility for providing all notices of breach or compromise and all duties to monitor credit histories and transactions concerning customers of the franchised business, unless otherwise directed by us.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 40–47)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may have to enter into ongoing maintenance or support agreements for computer and software programs. The costs associated with these maintenance, update, upgrade, or support contracts are included in the estimated range of expenses. Aplus may also require franchisees to periodically update or upgrade their computer hardware and software if Aplus deems it necessary. Aplus retains the right to modify the specifications and requirements for computer and point-of-sale systems.
The computer system and point-of-sale system at the Aplus store must be dedicated solely to the Aplus business. All sales must be processed through the approved point-of-sale system, and no other supplemental or secondary point-of-sale systems are allowed. Aplus may designate the information system used in the Aplus store, including computer hardware, software, and other equipment.
Franchisees are required to purchase and use designated hardware and software programs, such as the back-office operating system and integrated point-of-sale system. Aplus franchisees must also pay a Technology Fee to Aplus or a designated third party for the use of these systems. The monthly fee for the back-office support system and license is estimated to be between $330 and $450. However, if franchisees use existing systems and licenses that meet Aplus's specifications, Aplus reserves the right to reduce the monthly fee to $150 per month.
To facilitate automated communications, Aplus requires a broadband internet connection (DSL, Cable, FIOS, or similar) at the Aplus store. This connection will be used with Sunoco's network security firewall to obtain data needed to calculate certain fees and to provide additional support. Aplus may also require franchisees to install communications equipment, such as a fax machine, and to have the capability to send and/or receive electronic mail through their computer.