What is my obligation regarding automated communications equipment for the Aplus store?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
oco 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.
- 5.3.3. You must comply with our APLUS Retail Automation Program as further described in the Manual. During the term of this Agreement, you will insure that all automated communications equipment, hardware and software, as further detailed in the Manual, necessary for the operation of the APLUS Store and the electronic point-of sale ("EPOS") systems is installed, maintained, and upgraded in accordance with our then-current standards. Additionally, Sunoco may require you to install communications equipment, such as a fax machine, scanner, or printer, and to have the capability to send and/or receive electronic mail through your computer. You are not permitted to install any software, hardware, or other equipment, or alter any software or hardware, that is in or part of the computer system not previously approved in writing by Franchisor. You acknowledge and agree that Sunoco will have unlimited access to the data compiled and contained in the APLUS Retail Automation Program. The computer system and/or EPOS for your APLUS Store will be dedicated to the operation of the APLUS Store business and used for no other purpose unless otherwise authorized by the Franchisor in writing. All sales must be processed through the approved EPOS systems and reported as Gross Sales and no other supplemental or secondary EPOS system may be used. Franchisor retains the right to designate a designated or approved supplier for the EPOS system and when designated Franchisee within thirty (30) days of notice from the Franchisor use the designated or approved supplier for the EPOS system for the APLUS Store. Franchisee shall grant Franchisor independent access to any EPOS system.
- 5.3.4. Your access to the information regarding your business accounts and Programs will be
permitted only through an Internet Portal location designated by us. The specifications of Sunoco's required computer systems and version updates will be provided to you by bulletins, updates to the Systems Manual, and/or through the Internet Portal.
5.4. ATM Equipment
You are required to participate in the Sunoco Turnkey ATM Program, and you will have an Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") designated by Sunoco installed in the Store. You are responsible for the continued safety, operational, and maintenance requirements of the ATM as further described in the Manual.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, as a franchisee, you are obligated to comply with the APLUS Retail Automation Program as detailed in the Manual. This includes ensuring that all automated communications equipment, hardware, and software necessary for operating the APLUS store and the electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems are installed, maintained, and upgraded according to Aplus's current standards.
Additionally, Aplus may require you to install communications equipment like a fax machine, scanner, or printer, and to have the capability to send and receive electronic mail through your computer. You are not allowed to install any software, hardware, or other equipment, or alter any software or hardware, that is part of the computer system without prior written approval from Aplus. Aplus will have unlimited access to the data compiled and contained in the APLUS Retail Automation Program.
The computer system and/or EPOS for your APLUS Store must be dedicated to the operation of the APLUS Store business and used for no other purpose unless otherwise authorized by Aplus in writing. All sales must be processed through the approved EPOS systems and reported as Gross Sales, and no other supplemental or secondary EPOS system may be used. You must also pay a technology fee to Sunoco, which is currently $330 per month but may increase up to $600. This fee covers access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail setup, e-mail hosting, and other technology that may be required in the future.
Sunoco may permit the use of existing systems and licenses if they meet Sunoco's specifications and are in good operating condition, potentially leading to a reduction in your monthly fee. However, Sunoco reserves the right to change the system requirements or providers with a minimum of thirty days' notice, and may increase the monthly fee to reflect any additional expenses incurred due to these changes. Unless otherwise stipulated, Sunoco will supply and maintain your back-office operating system for official Sunoco business use, with the components determined by Sunoco in its sole discretion and as described in the Manual. Sunoco will have full access to the data contained in or processed through the back-office operating system during the term of the agreement.