Does Aplus supply and maintain the back-office operating system for its franchisees?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Before you begin operating the APLUS Store, we will perform or direct our Designated Service Provider, which may be a designated area representative to perform:
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- With respect to all APLUS Stores:
- (c) Supply and maintain your back-office operating system. (Section 5.3.1. of the Franchise Agreement)
You must purchase and use any hardware and software programs we designate, such as our back-office operating system, which is our integrated point-of-sale system, and pay us or a designated third-party a Technology Fee for your use of such systems.
The back office and helpdesk support software systems, licenses and scanning programs must be compatible with our system requirements. Unless we approve your existing equipment, we will provide you with a computer, monitor, printer, and back office handheld scanner.
The monthly fee for use of this back-office support system and license is estimated between $330 and $450 each month. We may permit the use of existing systems and licenses provided they meet our specifications. In such event, we reserve the right to reduce the monthly fee to $150 per month.
To facilitate automated communications, a broadband connection (DSL, Cable, FIOS, or similar connection) is required at your APLUS Store. These connections will be used in conjunction with Sunoco's network security firewall to obtain data needed to calculate certain fees owed to us, as well as to provide
you with additional support. Additionally, Sunoco may require you to install communications equipment, such as a fax machine, and to have the capability to send and/or receive electronic mail through your computer.
The computer system and/or any point-of-sale system for your APLUS Store will be dedicated for the operation of your APLUS business and used for no other purpose. All sales must be processed through the approved point-of-sale system and reported as gross sales and no other supplemental or secondary pointof-sale system may be used.
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, Aplus will supply and maintain the back-office operating system for its franchisees. Specifically, before an Aplus store begins operations, Aplus will supply and maintain the back-office operating system.
Franchisees are required to purchase and use designated hardware and software programs, including Aplus's integrated point-of-sale back-office operating system. Franchisees must also pay a Technology Fee for the use of these systems. The monthly fee for the back-office support system and license is estimated to be between $330 and $450. However, if a franchisee's existing systems and licenses meet Aplus's specifications, Aplus may permit their use and reduce the monthly fee to $150.
To facilitate automated communications, Aplus requires a broadband connection (DSL, Cable, FIOS, or similar) at the Aplus Store. This connection will be used with Sunoco's network security firewall to obtain data needed to calculate certain fees and provide additional support. Franchisees may also be required to install communications equipment, such as a fax machine, and have the capability to send and/or receive electronic mail through their computer. The computer system and/or any point-of-sale system for the Aplus Store must be dedicated to the Aplus business and used for no other purpose, and all sales must be processed through the approved point-of-sale system.