Are Counselor Realty franchisees required to utilize technology-related tools if Counselor Realty requires it?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Counselor may provide you with or require you to utilize such technology related tools (including, but not limited to, mobile applications and other internet or software-based applications) and services relating to the franchised business as Counselor determines from time to time in its sole discretion. Counselor will not be obligated to provide you with any such technology related tools or services, and reserves the right to discontinue providing any such technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide at any time. Counselor also reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions regarding any such technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide at any time. You will be obligated to pay Counselor fees (including the Mobile App Fee described in Item 6) associated with any such technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide in such amounts, and at such times, as Counselor shall determine from time to time in its sole discretion.
Counselor may also provide you with or require you to utilize such non-technology related tools and services relating to the franchised business as Counselor determines from time to time in its sole discretion. Counselor will not be obligated to provide you with any such non-technology related tools or services, and reserves the right to discontinue providing any such non-technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide at any time. Counselor also reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions regarding any such non-technology related tools and services that Counselor may decide to provide at any time. You will be obligated to pay Counselor fees associated with such non-technology related tools and services that Counselor decides to provide in such amounts, and at such times, as Counselor shall determine from time to time in its sole discretion.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 17–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Counselor Realty Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may be required to utilize technology-related tools and services that Counselor Realty deems necessary for the franchised business. These tools can include mobile applications and other internet or software-based applications. However, Counselor Realty is not obligated to provide these tools or services and reserves the right to discontinue or modify them at any time.
If Counselor Realty decides to provide or require these technology-related tools, franchisees are obligated to pay associated fees, including a Mobile App Fee, in amounts and at times determined by Counselor Realty. This means that franchisees need to be prepared for potential ongoing costs associated with adopting new technologies mandated by the franchisor.
This policy extends beyond technology, as Counselor Realty may also require franchisees to use non-technology related tools and services, with similar stipulations regarding provision, discontinuation, modification, and associated fees. Therefore, franchisees should be aware that they may need to budget for both technology and non-technology related tools and services that Counselor Realty might require during the term of the franchise agreement.