What reports and data are Aplus franchisees required to provide to Sunoco to assist with merchandising recommendations?

According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to provide Sunoco with reports and data to assist in merchandising recommendations. The specific reports and data required are those reasonably requested by Sunoco for this purpose, and they are described more fully in the Systems Manual.

Additionally, Aplus franchisees must enter all sales, costs of sales, and business expenses into the back office system. Sunoco will have access to reports regarding merchandising sales, margin, and sales mix data compiled on the Aplus store. Sunoco also has the right to access all profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and supporting documentation directly from the franchisee or from the back office or accounting system.

Furthermore, Aplus has the right to independently access all business data, wherever maintained, including financial reports, scan data, vendor and supplier pricing data, and all other data relating to the franchised business. Aplus can also require franchisees to deliver this business data to them. This data may be used to verify sales, monitor franchisee progress, prepare financial performance representations for the Franchise Disclosure Document, and share vendor and supplier pricing data with affiliates or certain third parties.

In practice, this means that Aplus franchisees must maintain detailed and accurate records of their sales, expenses, and inventory. They must also be prepared to share this information with Sunoco on a regular basis. This allows Sunoco to provide merchandising recommendations and support to franchisees, but it also gives Sunoco significant insight into the franchisee's business operations.