What is the Monthly User Technology Fee for Christies International Real Estate?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the monthly user technology fee for Christies International Real Estate is not explicitly mentioned. However, the document does refer to an 'Advertising Fund Fee' that Christies International Real Estate reserves the right to implement.
According to the FDD, Christies International Real Estate may, upon written notice, require franchisees to pay a monthly advertising fee for deposit into a system marketing fund, referred to as the "Advertising Fund Fee." As of the effective date of the FDD, an Advertising Fund has not been established, and Christies International Real Estate is not collecting this fee. If implemented, the Advertising Fund Fee will not exceed three percent (3%) of Gross Revenue and will be paid in the same manner and at the same time as the Royalty Fee.
It is important to note that the FDD states that technology investments can be paid for from the advertising fund. It is unclear whether the technology fee would be paid directly by the franchisee or taken from the advertising fund. A prospective franchisee should clarify with Christies International Real Estate whether there is a monthly user technology fee, how much it is, and how it is collected.