What are the payment terms for software and technology fees charged by Aplus?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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- 5.3. Electronic Communications Equipment
- 5.3.1. Unless otherwise stipulated, Sunoco will supply and maintain your back-office operating system for the purposes of official Sunoco business use. The components of the Sunoco back office operating system will be determined by Sunoco, in its sole discretion, and as described in the Manual. During the term of this Agreement, Sunoco will have full access to the data contained in or processed through the back-office operating system.
- 5.3.2. You must pay Sunoco a technology fee that is currently $330 per month fee, which may be increased up to $600 ("Technology Fee"). The Technology Fee covers access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail set up, e-mail hosting (for one e-mail address), and other technology that may be required in the future. 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.
- 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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must pay a technology fee to Sunoco, which is currently $330 per month but can increase to $600. This fee covers access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail setup, e-mail hosting for one address, and other technology that may be required in the future.
If a franchisee fails to pay the Technology Fees by the due date, Aplus will charge interest at the highest rate allowed by applicable state law. Interest accrues from the date the payment was due until it is received in full. The franchisee is also responsible for covering all collection costs incurred by Aplus, including reasonable attorney fees.
Aplus retains the right to apply any payments made by the franchisee to any outstanding debts, including Royalty Fees, Marketing Fees, Technology Fees, purchases from Aplus or its affiliates, or any other amounts owed. This means that even if a franchisee designates a payment for a specific fee, Aplus can allocate it to other overdue amounts at its discretion.
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.