Under what conditions would an Aplus franchisee be required to pay for additional assistance from the franchisor beyond the initial opening assistance?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
pating attendee. (Section 8.1. of the Franchise Agreement)
- (e) In preparation for opening your APLUS Store, we will make available to you one of our representatives experienced in our System for providing you general assistance and guidance. If you request additional assistance with respect to the opening or continued operation of the APLUS Store, and should we deem it necessary and appropriate to comply with such request, you will pay the then-current standard rates, plus expenses, for such additional assistance. (Section 8.2. of the Franchise Agreement)
- (f) Provide you with access to an electronic copy of our Systems Manual. The approximate total number of pages in the Systems Manual as of the date of this disclosure document is 165 pages. (Section 9.1. of the Franchise Agreement) The Table of Contents of the Systems Manual is included as Exhibit G to this disclosure document.
- (g) Provide you with our specifications and standards, as well as a list of approved vendors regarding the items and materials necessary to operate the APLUS Store (Section 13.1. of the Franchise Agreement)
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- With respect to Leased APLUS Store locations only, we will make certain modifications to the premises as we deem suitable for the operation of an APLUS Store. (Attachment 1. A.7. of the Franchise Agreement)
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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, franchisees may incur costs for additional assistance under specific circumstances. Aplus provides initial training for the Designated Manager and up to two other people at no charge; however, the franchisee is responsible for all other costs incurred by the attendees. If a franchisee requests additional help with the opening or ongoing operation of the Aplus store, and Aplus deems it necessary and appropriate to fulfill that request, the franchisee will be required to pay the then-current standard rates, plus expenses, for the extra support.
Additionally, if a franchisee schedules an on-site training program and subsequently cancels it, they must pay Aplus's then-current on-site training cancellation fee. The amount of this fee can vary depending on the type of training program that was scheduled and how far in advance the franchisee provides written notice of the cancellation.
Furthermore, franchisees should note that Aplus is not obligated to provide any training or assistance to their particular level of satisfaction. Aplus is also not obligated to provide any services that are not outlined in the franchise agreement. This means franchisees should carefully review the franchise agreement to understand the scope of support they can expect from Aplus and under what conditions they may need to pay for additional services.