What is the minimum time increment that Auntie Annes charges for Billable Support Services?

According to Auntie Annes' 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Billable Support is charged per hour or any part thereof, but requires a minimum of 4 hours. This means that even if the support needed takes less than 4 hours, an Auntie Annes franchisee will be billed for the full 4-hour minimum.

This policy has significant cost implications for franchisees. For instance, if a franchisee requires only 30 minutes of Billable Support, they will still incur the cost of 4 hours of support. This can substantially increase operational expenses, especially if such support is frequently needed. Franchisees should carefully assess their technical proficiency and the potential need for Billable Support to budget accordingly.

It is important for prospective Auntie Annes franchisees to understand the circumstances under which Billable Support is necessary. Billable Support includes services (i) outside the scope of Comprehensive Support; and (ii) Support Services requested and provided outside of the Hours of Availability set forth in Section C of Schedule A. Franchisees should aim to utilize Comprehensive Support and adhere to the specified hours to minimize the need for, and costs associated with, Billable Support. Understanding these support structures is crucial for managing operational costs effectively.