Which items in the Christies International Real Estate Disclosure Document discuss advertising obligations?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
7. ADVERTISING
**7.1.
Advertising Fund.** We reserve the right to require that you to pay a monthly advertising fee ("Advertising Fund Fee") for deposit into a system marketing fund (the "Advertising Fund").
As of the Effective Date, we have not established an Advertising Fund, and we do not collect the Advertising Fund Fee.
We may implement, begin collecting, and increase the Advertising Fund Fee at any time upon written notice to you; however, the Advertising Fund Fee will not exceed three percent (3%) of Gross Revenue.
If we begin collecting the Advertising Fund Fee, you will pay the Advertising Fund Fee in the same manner and at the same time as the Royalty Fee.
If we begin collecting the Advertising Fund Fee, we will place all Advertising Fund Fees we receive in the Advertising Fund and we will manage such Advertising Fund.
Any CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 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 ten percent (10%) of the Advertising Fund to solicit new franchisees.
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.
- **7.2.
Local Advertising and Promotions**.
All advertising and promotions must conform with the Operations Manual, including the Brand Guidelines.
We may require you to use our advertising templates or materials in accord with our Operations Manual, including our Brand Guidelines, or as we otherwise approve in writing.
If you use or develop your own marketing materials for your Business, we, in our sole discretion, have the right to require you to remove any marketing materials or advertising that do not comply with the Operations Manual, Brand Guidelines or any laws.
Growing and Running Your Christie's International Real Estate Affiliate - 1
Brand and Marketing - 2
Compliance with Brand Standards - 1
Brand Advertising Policies and Standards - 1
Advertising Regulation and Compliance - 1
Individual Agent / Team Branding and Marketing - 1
Content Marketing - 1
Social Media - 2
Source: Item 9 — FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS (FDD pages 24–26)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 7 discusses advertising obligations. Specifically, it details the potential for an Advertising Fund, where franchisees may be required to pay a monthly fee of up to 3% of Gross Revenue. The document states that as of the effective date, an Advertising Fund has not been established, but Christies International Real Estate reserves the right to implement one in the future. The funds collected would be used for general promotion of the brand and system, including various marketing and technology investments.
Item 7 also addresses local advertising and promotions, stating that all advertising must conform to the Operations Manual and Brand Guidelines. Christies International Real Estate may require franchisees to use provided advertising templates or materials. If franchisees develop their own marketing materials, Christies International Real Estate retains the right to require removal of any materials that do not comply with brand standards or laws.
Additionally, Item 11 references sections in the draft Operations Manual that cover brand and marketing, compliance with brand standards, brand advertising policies and standards, advertising regulation and compliance, individual agent/team branding and marketing, content marketing, and social media. These sections provide further guidance on how franchisees should approach advertising and marketing their Christies International Real Estate business.