Are Aplus franchisees restricted in their choice of ATM program providers?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We require you to participate in the following APLUS Programs and provide such products or services accordingly and in accordance with our Systems Manual.
- Hot Dispensed Beverages Program,
- Cold Dispensed Beverages Program,
- Food and Food Service Program
- Prepaid Program (i.e. prepaid phone cards and similar products),
- ATM Program (unless otherwise restricted), and
- All other promotional offers or special pricing programs or other programs we may designate.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS & SERVICES (FDD pages 33–37)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to participate in the ATM program. Item 8 states that franchisees must participate in the ATM Program unless otherwise restricted. This indicates that while participation is typically mandatory, there may be specific circumstances where a franchisee is exempt.
As part of the required Aplus programs, franchisees must purchase items and services from Approved Suppliers or Designated Specific Suppliers. This requirement ensures uniformity and consistency across all Aplus stores. While the FDD does not explicitly state that ATM services must be sourced from these suppliers, it does state that participation in the ATM program is generally required.
For goods and services that franchisees are not required to purchase from an Approved Supplier, they may select any supplier at their discretion. However, Aplus retains the right to disapprove a supplier if they do not meet the company's quality standards, including maintaining a favorable public image for the Aplus program. If a supplier is disapproved, the franchisee must promptly discontinue purchasing from that supplier.
Therefore, while franchisees are generally required to participate in the Aplus ATM program, the FDD does not provide specific details on whether they are restricted to using only Aplus-approved ATM program providers. A prospective franchisee should seek clarification from Aplus regarding the specific requirements and restrictions related to ATM program providers.