What kind of sign is an Aplus franchisee required to display to show they are the proprietor of the business?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 1.18 Exclusive Control of Premises by You.
- (A) You shall exercise and be responsible for the exclusive control of the Premises and all activities conducted thereon. You shall undertake all obligations hereunder as an independent contractor. Neither you nor your employees shall hold yourself or themselves out at any time as employees or agents of Sunoco.
- (2) You shall be solely responsible for the continuous display on the exterior of the building in a conspicuous manner at a point visible and accessible to the public and as specified on the APlus Store Permanent Decal Kit as provided to you by Sunoco, a legible sign meeting Sunoco's specifications, showing that you are the proprietor of the business being conducted thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you shall grant access at all times to the ATM site (if any) to the general public as well as to representatives of the bank or its affiliates or agents including ingress to, temporary parking on, and egress from, the site for the purpose of installation, maintenance, use and removal of all or any part of the equipment involved.
- (A) You shall exercise and be responsible for the exclusive control of the Premises and all activities conducted thereon. You shall undertake all obligations hereunder as an independent contractor. Neither you nor your employees shall hold yourself or themselves out at any time as employees or agents of Sunoco.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must display a legible sign indicating they are the proprietor of the business. This sign must meet Sunoco's specifications and be continuously displayed on the exterior of the building in a conspicuous manner, visible and accessible to the public, as specified in the APlus Store Permanent Decal Kit provided by Sunoco.
This requirement ensures that customers are aware that the Aplus store is independently owned and operated, even though it is part of a franchise system. This is a common practice in franchising, as it helps to establish local accountability while maintaining brand consistency. The franchisee is responsible for ensuring the sign meets Sunoco's standards and is displayed correctly.
Furthermore, the franchisee has exclusive control of the premises and operates as an independent contractor, not as an employee or agent of Sunoco. The franchisee is responsible for all aspects of managing their business, including hiring, training, and compensating employees, as well as complying with all applicable laws and regulations.