Who is required to attend the initial training program for an Aplus franchise?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
easonably required for the protection of Franchisor, the System, the Marks, Franchisor's goodwill, and Franchisor's franchise system; and Franchisee expressly waives any right to challenge these restrictions as being overly broad, unreasonable, overly burdensome or otherwise unenforceable. Franchisee affirms that it has other means of earning a living from its employment experience prior to becoming a franchisee.
8. TRAINING AND ASSISTANCE
8.1. Initial Training
Franchisor shall make an initial training program available to your Designated Manager and two (2) other individuals who will be directly involved in the operation of the APLUS Store. Prior to the opening of the Franchised Business, the Designated Manager must attend and successfully complete initial training to Franchisor's satisfaction, including the passing of tests at the end of initial training. Franchisor shall conduct the initial training program at its headquarters, designated regional office, or at another designated location or in another format (including digitally or virtually) as Franchisor may designate at its sole option. Franchisor shall not charge tuition or similar fees for initial training, however, all expenses incurred by Franchisee in attending such program including, but not limited to, travel costs, room and board expenses and employees' salaries or wages, shall be the sole responsibility of Franchisee. Franchisee shall be responsible for training its management and other employees. You must complete initial training to our satisfaction, including the passing of tests at the end of initial training.
8.2. Opening Assistance
In conjunction with the beginning of operation of the Franchised Business, Franchisor shall make available to Franchisee one of Franchisor's representatives, experienced in the System, for the purpose of familiarizing Franchisee's staff with the APLUS System and standards, and for the purpose of providing general assistance and guidance in connection with the opening of the Franchised Business. If Franchisee requests additional assistance with respect to the opening or continued operation of the Franchised Business, and should Franchisor deem it necessary and appropriate to comply with such request, Franchisee shall pay Franchisor's then-current standard rates, plus expenses, for such additional assistance. Franchisor may utilize a Designated Service Provider to perform any of its duties under this Section 8.2 and Section 8 generally.
8.3. Designated Manager Training
If Franchisor determines that the Designated Manager is unable to satisfactorily complete the training program described above, Franchisor has the unrestricted right to terminate this Agreement. If Franchisee is a business entity and the Designated Manager fails to complete the initial training program to Franchisor's reasonable satisfaction, Franchisee may be permitted to select a substitute manager and such substitute manager must complete the initial training to Franchisor's satisfaction. Additionally, if Franchisee replaces its Designated Manager, or brings new principals into the franchise, the new Designated Manager and principals must attend Franchisor's initial training program, or train with a franchisee who agrees to provide such training. Franchisee will be required to pay Franchisor's then-current rates for additional training, presently $1,000 per week.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Designated Manager and two other individuals who will be directly involved in the Aplus store's operation must attend the initial training program. The Designated Manager must successfully complete the training, including passing tests. If a franchisee is a business entity and the Designated Manager does not complete the training satisfactorily, Aplus may allow the franchisee to select a substitute manager who must then complete the initial training.
If a franchisee replaces their Designated Manager or brings new principals into the franchise, the new Designated Manager and principals must attend Aplus's initial training program or train with a franchisee who agrees to provide such training. The franchisee is responsible for the costs associated with training, including fees, wages, transportation, lodging, and meals. Aplus may charge $1,000 per week for additional training for each attendee over the initial three and for any remedial training.
If the franchisee cancels or fails to have the appropriate parties attend a scheduled on-site training program or visit, they will be required to pay an on-site training cancellation fee. This fee can vary depending on the type of training program, how far in advance Aplus is notified of the cancellation, and the costs incurred in rescheduling travel arrangements. Aplus conducts the initial training program at its headquarters, a designated regional office, another designated location, or in another format (including digitally or virtually) at its sole option. Aplus does not charge tuition or similar fees for initial training.