What operational standards must be complied with to preserve the Christies International Real Estate brand?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You and your employees must preserve good customer relations; render competent, prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable service; and comply with all operational standards in the Operations Manual.
We will provide you guidance through our Operations Manual or other written materials, telephone conversations and/or virtual or in-person meetings.
By offering such advice or assistance, we shall not be deemed a joint employer with you for any reason.
- **4.5.
Special Assistance Fee**.
Intentionally deleted.
- **4.6.
Additional Training, Founder Mentoring, Designated Programming**.
Intentionally deleted.
- **4.7.
Ancillary Services.** We or our affiliates may offer other ancillary services, directly or indirectly, to assist you in operating your Business.
However, you are not required to use ancillary services.
Ancillary services may include title services, mortgage services, new development services, warranty services, and relocation services and similar products or services related to a real estate brokerage operation.
These services may not be available in all markets, and we have the right to add, change or discontinue any ancillary service at any time, and we reserve the right to charge our then-current fees for such ancillary services.
- **4.8.
Annual Conference**.
In order to stay current on all programs, processes, procedures and other information relating to the operation of your CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE business, you or a senior representative from your leadership team of whom we approve must attend any annual affiliate conference or other conference that we sponsor or designate.
You must pay to us our then-current conference fee and you are responsible for all travel and living expenses for you, your owners, brokers, agents and employees.
If you fail to attend the annual conference without our prior written consent, you must pay our then-current fee for two people for failing to attend the conference.
- **4.9.
Operations Manual**.
We will provide to you electronic access to our proprietary and confidential operations manual and other handbooks, manuals and written materials (collectively, the "Operations Manual") for Affiliates.
The Operations Manual will contain both mandatory specifications, standards, and operating procedures as well as suggested practices and procedures that we develop for CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE businesses and information relating to your other obligations.
The Operations Manual will also include mandatory brand guidelines regarding the proper use of the Marks (our "Brand Guidelines").
We may add to, delete from, and otherwise modify the Operations Manual from time to time as we deem necessary or appropriate.
The master copy of the Operations Manual that we maintain electronically or at our principal office and make available to you will control if there is a dispute involving the contents of the Operations Manual.
5. DEVELOPMENT AND OPENING THE BUSINESS
- 5.1. Development of the Business. Before you begin operating the Business, you will:
- (a) purchase an opening inventory of all signage (including all "for sale" signs), products, supplies, materials, and equipment we require for the Business. You must begin using yard signs containing our Marks within ninety (90) days from the Effective Date;
- (b) have a working Computer System;
- (c) procure all state or local licenses, permits, and certifications required by applicable law to operate your Business; and
- (d) establish filing, accounting and inventory control systems complying with our requirements.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate FDD, franchisees must adhere to several operational standards to maintain brand integrity. These standards are detailed in the Operations Manual, which Christies International Real Estate will provide electronically. The Operations Manual includes mandatory specifications, standards, operating procedures, suggested practices, and brand guidelines for the proper use of the Christies International Real Estate marks. Christies International Real Estate may modify the Operations Manual as necessary, with the master copy maintained by the franchisor controlling in case of disputes.
To uphold the Christies International Real Estate brand, franchisees must preserve good customer relations, render competent, prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable service, and comply with all operational standards outlined in the Operations Manual. Franchisees are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their business to protect the Christies International Real Estate brand and marks. Additionally, franchisees must ensure their Responsible Broker and all other employees and agents obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, and certifications required by applicable law.
Further brand standards include restrictions on how franchisees can use the Christies International Real Estate marks. Franchisees cannot represent that they own the marks, use the marks in any manner other than in the phrase "CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE," or use the font of the "CHRISTIE'S" marks for any words other than "CHRISTIE'S." The marks must be used in combination with other marks as specified in the agreement and franchisees must market the brand as a leading luxury brand, not positioning other trademarks as more luxurious.
Before operating the business, franchisees must purchase an opening inventory of required signage, products, supplies, materials, and equipment, and begin using yard signs containing the Christies International Real Estate marks within 90 days of the agreement's effective date. They must also have a working Computer System and establish compliant filing, accounting, and inventory control systems. Compliance with these operational standards is crucial for maintaining the quality and reputation of the Christies International Real Estate brand.