Can City Wide conduct evaluations of the Franchised Business?
City_Wide Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 4.6.1 CITY WIDE may from time to time conduct evaluations of the Franchised Business at the Office and at Franchisee's customer sites, and evaluations of the services rendered, and the personnel Franchisee employs.
- 4.6.2 CITY WIDE will provide Franchisee advice concerning operating problems, new techniques and administrative, bookkeeping, accounting and operating methods disclosed by reports to or inspections made by CITY WIDE as CITY WIDE at its sole and absolute right, may deem appropriate; and
- 4.6.3 CITY WIDE will help, as CITY WIDE at its sole and absolute right may deem reasonably required, including advice and guidance with respect to new and improved methods of operation or business procedures developed by CITY WIDE, use of the Operating Manual, management material, promotional material, advertising forms, updates to Software, and the Marks.
- 4.7 No Responsibility or Liability. CITY WIDE will not, by any approvals, advice, or services provided to Franchisee, assume responsibility or liability to Franchisee or to any third party to which it would not otherwise be subject.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 65)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Wide's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, City Wide has the right to conduct evaluations of a franchisee's business. Specifically, City Wide may evaluate the franchised business at the office and customer sites, as well as assess the services rendered and the franchisee's personnel. This allows City Wide to monitor adherence to the standards of quality, cleanliness, appearance, and service expected within the City Wide system.
These evaluations are intended to help maintain the public image and reputation of the City Wide brand. Following these evaluations, City Wide will provide advice to the franchisee regarding operating problems, new techniques, and administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, and operating methods. City Wide also has the right to offer help and guidance with respect to new and improved methods of operation or business procedures, use of the Operating Manual, management material, promotional material, advertising forms, updates to Software, and the Marks.
City Wide also has the right to enter and inspect the franchisee's location at all reasonable times and in a reasonable manner. They can observe how services are rendered and activities are conducted, and inspect equipment, merchandise, accessories, products, supplies, reports, forms, documents, and related data for testing and evaluation. This ensures the franchised business operates according to City Wide's quality control provisions and performance standards.
However, City Wide's advisory role does not create any liability. The FDD states that City Wide will not assume responsibility or liability to the franchisee or any third party through any approvals, advice, or services provided. This clarifies that while City Wide offers support and evaluations, the franchisee remains responsible for the day-to-day operations and obligations of their business.