Who is responsible for the costs incurred by attendees participating in Aplus' initial training, beyond the training itself?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
ncluding virtual) as Sunoco may designate from time to time.
We do not charge a fee for the initial training program for the first three participants; however, you are responsible for your related incurred costs for hotel, travel, and wages for you and your attendees. Your Designated Manager must attend and successfully complete training before you can open your APLUS
Store. We reserve the right to vary the length and content of the initial training program based on the experience and skill level of any individual attending the initial training program.
Additional Training
We may provide additional or remedial training at our discretion, and we may require you and your staff to complete such training. The training will be conducted at our designated training center or another location. This training is provided at no charge for the first two attendees. We will charge you $1,000 per week for each additional person attending the training. You are responsible for your related incurred costs for hotel, travel, and wages for you and your attendees.
If you are a multi-unit APLUS franchisee, you must have at least one full-time employee who has successfully completed our required training, at our satisfaction, on duty in each APLUS Store at least 40 hours per week. This employee may be our trained manager. When necessary, you have four months to replace a trained manager who is no longer employed by you.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 40–47)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, while Aplus does not charge a fee for the initial training program for the first three participants, the franchisee is responsible for all other costs incurred by themselves and their attendees. These costs include expenses for hotel stays, travel, and wages. This applies to the initial training program and any additional or remedial training that Aplus may require.
For the initial training program, Aplus provides the training at no charge for the first three participants. However, the franchisee must cover all associated expenses like transportation to the training location (which is near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), accommodation, and the wages for the attendees during the training period. This can represent a significant upfront investment for a new Aplus franchisee, especially if they need to send multiple employees to the training.
Additionally, if Aplus provides additional or remedial training, it is provided at no charge for the first two attendees, with a fee of $1,000 per week for each additional person attending the training. The franchisee remains responsible for hotel, travel, and wages for all attendees. This highlights the importance of budgeting not only for the initial training but also for potential ongoing training needs. Franchisees should factor in these potential costs when assessing the overall financial commitment required to operate an Aplus franchise.
Furthermore, Aplus may hold periodic national or regional conferences, which are not mandatory. However, if a franchisee chooses to attend, they must pay a conference registration fee (currently not exceeding $800 per person per conference) and cover all related costs for themselves and their staff. This reinforces that franchisees are consistently responsible for the logistical and financial burdens associated with travel, lodging, and compensation for training and conference attendance.