What is the minimum notice Sunoco must provide to Aplus franchisees before changing system requirements or providers?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Sunoco may permit the use of existing systems and licenses provided such meets Sunoco's specifications and is in good operating condition.
In such event, Sunoco reserves the right to reduce your monthly fee.
Sunoco reserves the right on a minimum of thirty (30) day notice to you to change the system requirements/providers.
In such event, Sunoco reserves the right to increase the monthly fee to reflect any additional expenses incurred in connection with the system/provider change.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sunoco must provide Aplus franchisees with a minimum of thirty (30) days' notice before changing system requirements or providers. This is relevant to the technology fee that franchisees must pay, which is currently $330 per month but can be increased up to $600. The technology fee covers access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail set up, e-mail hosting, and other technology that may be required in the future.
This means that Aplus franchisees need to be prepared for potential changes in the technology they use to operate their business, as well as potential increases in the associated technology fees. The 30-day notice period allows franchisees some time to adjust to these changes, but it's important to stay informed and proactive in understanding how these changes may impact their operations and costs. Franchisees should also ensure they understand the process for appealing or negotiating these changes if they believe they are unreasonable or detrimental to their business.
Sunoco also reserves the right to increase the monthly fee to reflect any additional expenses incurred in connection with the system or provider change. This implies that if Sunoco switches to a more expensive system or provider, the franchisee will bear the cost through an increased monthly fee. While the initial technology fee covers various services, franchisees should be aware that this fee is subject to change with a 30-day notice, potentially impacting their operational costs.
It is also important to note that Aplus franchisees may be permitted to use existing systems and licenses if they meet Sunoco's specifications and are in good operating condition. In such cases, Sunoco reserves the right to reduce the monthly fee. However, Sunoco retains the right to change these requirements with a 30-day notice, which could force franchisees to adopt new systems and incur additional costs.