Under what condition might Sunoco reduce the monthly Technology Fee for an Aplus franchisee?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 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 f
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Sunoco may reduce the monthly Technology Fee for a franchisee if the franchisee is permitted to use existing systems and licenses that meet Sunoco's specifications and are in good operating condition. The standard Technology Fee is currently $330 per month and can be increased up to $600. This fee covers access to the back-office system, software licenses, helpdesk support website, e-mail setup, e-mail hosting (for one e-mail address), and other technology that may be required in the future.
For a prospective Aplus franchisee, this means there's a potential opportunity to lower monthly costs if they already possess compatible technology. However, the approval for using existing systems is at Sunoco's discretion. The franchisee would need to demonstrate that their existing technology meets Sunoco's standards and is fully functional.
It's important to note that Sunoco also reserves the right to change system requirements or providers with a minimum of thirty days' notice. In such cases, Sunoco can increase the monthly fee to cover any additional expenses incurred due to these changes. Therefore, while there's a possibility of reducing the Technology Fee initially, franchisees should be prepared for potential increases if Sunoco updates its technology requirements.