Who supplies and maintains the back-office operating system for Aplus franchisees?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
difications, or replacements may be made by you to any Store Equipment or Loaned Store Equipment without Sunoco's prior written approval.
- 5.2.4. Unless authorized by our prior written consent, you may not install or use at or about the APLUS Store any other equipment (such as arcade machines, vending machines, shelving, display racks, signs, furniture, or fixtures) that tends to alter or modify the APLUS Store or the Program image.
- 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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sunoco will supply and maintain the back-office operating system for franchisees, unless otherwise stipulated. The specific components of this system are determined by Sunoco at their discretion, and are detailed in the Aplus manual. Sunoco retains full access to all data contained within or processed through this back-office system during the franchise agreement term.
As an Aplus franchisee, you are required to pay a technology fee for access to this back-office system. This fee is currently $330 per month but can increase to $600. This 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. However, Aplus may permit the use of existing systems and licenses if they meet Aplus's specifications and are in good operating condition, and Sunoco reserves the right to reduce your monthly fee in such an event.
Sunoco also reserves the right to change the system requirements or providers with a minimum of thirty days' notice. If such changes result in additional expenses, Sunoco may increase the monthly fee to cover these costs. Franchisees must also comply with the Aplus Retail Automation Program, ensuring that all automated communications equipment, hardware, and software are installed, maintained, and upgraded according to Aplus's standards. Franchisees are not allowed to install any unapproved software or hardware to the computer system.