Under what conditions can City Publications discontinue providing advisory services to a franchisee?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisor will be available by telephone, e-mail or facsimile to discuss any problem and to render advice and guidance with respect to planning, opening and operation of the Franchised Business. Franchisor does not charge for these services, however, Franchisor retains the right to discontinue this service should Franchisee, in Franchisor's discretion, be deemed to be utilizing this service too frequently or in an unintended manner.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, City Publications offers advisory services to franchisees via telephone, email, or fax to discuss problems and offer advice on planning, opening, and operating the franchised business. These services are provided without charge to the franchisee.
However, City Publications retains the right to discontinue these advisory services if, in their judgment, a franchisee is utilizing the service too frequently or in an unintended manner. This determination is made at City Publications' discretion.
This clause in the franchise agreement allows City Publications to manage its resources and ensure that advisory services are used appropriately. It implies that franchisees should attempt to resolve issues independently or through other available resources before seeking advisory services. A prospective franchisee should clarify what constitutes "too frequently" or an "unintended manner" to avoid potential disruption of advisory support.