factual

If collected, how and when will the Advertising Fund Fee be paid to Christies International Real Estate?

Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

Advertising Fund. We do not currently have an Advertising Fund, and we have no current plans to establish one. However, in the future, we reserve the right to require you to pay a monthly Advertising Fund Fee for deposit into a system marketing fund (the "Advertising Fund"). We may increase the Advertising Fund Fee at any time; however, the Advertising Fund Fee will not exceed 3% of Gross Revenue. If collected, you will pay the Advertising Fund Fee in the same manner and at the same time as the Royalty Fee. If collected, we will place all Advertising Fund Fees we receive in the Advertising Fund and we will manage such Advertising Fund. Any Businesses operated by us or our affiliates will not be required to contribute to the Advertising Fund. The Advertising Fund will pay expenses in connection with the general promotion of the Marks and the System, which may include, but are not limited to, the development and operation of a call center; market research; customer retention; incentive programs; sales development programs; media planning; media buying fees; creating and producing advertising materials; outside advertising agency fees for creating advertising programs; public relation activities; outside public relations agency fees; technology investments; digital marketing; and reimbursing us the costs of administering the Advertising Fund. Additionally, we may use up to 10% of the Advertising Fund to solicit new franchise sales. The Advertising Fund is not a trust or escrow account, and we have no fiduciary obligations regarding the Advertising Fund. We cannot ensure that any individual Affiliate will benefit directly or on a pro rata basis from the future placement of any such advertising in its local market. We may spend in any fiscal year an amount greater or less than the aggregate contributions to the Advertising Fund in that year. We will determine the methods of advertising, media employed, and scope, contents, terms and conditions of advertising, marketing, promotional and public relations campaigns and programs. Upon written request, we will provide you an annual unaudited statement of the receipts and disbursements of the Advertising Fund for the most recent calendar year. We do not intend to audit the Advertising Fund. Any end-of-year surpluses or shortages in the Advertising Fund in a given year will carry over to the next year.

Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–33)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, while there is currently no Advertising Fund, Christies International Real Estate reserves the right to implement one in the future. If established, franchisees would be required to pay a monthly Advertising Fund Fee.

The amount of this fee could be increased at any time, but it will not exceed 3% of the franchisee's Gross Revenue. The method and timing of payment for the Advertising Fund Fee will mirror that of the Royalty Fee.

Christies International Real Estate will manage the Advertising Fund, using it for the general promotion of the Marks and the System. This includes various marketing and promotional activities, technology investments, and digital marketing. Up to 10% of the Advertising Fund may be used to solicit new franchise sales. It is important to note that the Advertising Fund is not a trust or escrow account, and Christies International Real Estate has no fiduciary obligations regarding it. Franchisees are not ensured to directly benefit from advertising in their local market.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.