AtWork Franchise

The ad fund rate of 0.5% is significantly below the typical range for business services franchises (1.0-2.75%). How is the ad fund being deployed, and what marketing support does this fund provide to franchisees?

Transfer fees are at the upper end of the typical range at $20,000. Are there any circumstances under which this fee can be waived or reduced, such as for transfers to family members?

Support & Training scores 69, below the typical range of 74.0-91.0 for this category. What specific training and ongoing support is provided after the initial launch period, and how frequently are franchisees expected to access franchisor support?

Your financial performance data shows median gross sales of $1.8M, significantly above the typical range. Can you break down these figures by franchisee tenure (newer vs. established units) and by geography to understand variance?

The contract contains 25 termination causes, above the typical range of 12.0-21.0. Which of these causes are most commonly cited in terminations, and can you provide specific examples of what triggers each non-curable default?

Cure periods are 10 days for insurance violations and 30 days for general compliance failures. What happens if a franchisee cures a violation within the specified period—is the relationship immediately restored, or are there additional penalties?

The contract requires binding arbitration within 50 miles of Knoxville, Tennessee, and waives jury trial rights. Has this dispute resolution requirement created any challenges for franchisees located far from Tennessee, and what is the average cost of arbitration for disputes?

Personal guarantees are required from all owners and spouses on a joint and several basis. Can you provide examples of claims made against personal guarantees, and have any franchisees faced unexpected personal liability beyond their unit investment?

The franchisor can designate approved suppliers and require purchases from prescribed suppliers with minimum pricing controls. How much flexibility do franchisees have in sourcing, and what is the typical cost impact of franchisor-mandated suppliers versus competitive alternatives?

Minimum Performance Standards are tied to royalty generation. What is the specific dollar threshold for the Minimum Performance Standard, and what are the consequences for falling short in a given year?

Late payments bear interest at 1.5% per month. Has the franchisor enforced payment interest charges, and are there any payment plans or grace periods available for franchisees experiencing temporary cash flow challenges?

While territory is designated as protected, it is not exclusive, and there is no encroachment protection. Can the franchisor open company-owned units or approve additional franchisees within your territory?

Territory type shows as 'PROTECTED' in the data, but encroachment protection is listed as false. Can you clarify what 'protected' means in practice and under what circumstances the franchisor reserves the right to modify territory boundaries?

In 2024, 5 units ceased operations compared to 5 closures. What is the distinction between 'ceased operations' and 'closures' in your reporting, and were any of these exits due to franchisor action versus franchisee decisions?

Exit rates have remained stable at approximately 5-6% annually over 3 years. How does this compare to industry benchmarks for business services franchises, and what do exit interviews reveal about franchisee satisfaction?

Investment score is 64, below the typical range of 75.0 for business services. What is the total initial investment required (including franchise fee, working capital, equipment, and training), and are there hidden costs not listed in the fee structure?

Can you provide a breakdown of the $3.6M average gross sales by franchisee, including the range from lowest to highest performing units and the typical net profit margin after all royalties and fees?

The contract lists renewal with 'N/A years'—does this mean there is no guaranteed renewal option, or is renewal subject to franchisor approval? What terms typically apply to renewal agreements?

Have any franchisees successfully challenged or negotiated the 25 termination causes, and would the franchisor be willing to modify termination language (e.g., adding cure periods to specific non-curable defaults)?

Litigation data shows 0 cases in 3 years. Is this reflective of strong franchisee-franchisor relationships, or do the arbitration requirements and personal guarantees discourage franchisees from pursuing legal action?