What is the process for Counselor Realty to direct a franchisee to alter or remove advertising materials?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may develop advertising materials for your own use, at your own expense. Advertising materials and media (including print, audio, video, website and computer-transmitted media) must conform at all times to Counselor's brand standard and image. If Counselor determines, in its sole discretion, that any advertising materials or media do not conform to Counselor's brand standard or image, you will alter or remove any such advertising materials or media, as directed in writing by Counselor. You have the option to develop your own website as part of your overall promotion strategy. Your use of Counselor's trademarks in any advertising materials and media must conform at all times to the requirements set forth in the Franchise Agreement. Counselor does not currently require any advertising materials or media to be approved by Counselor prior to you using them, but reserves the right to review and approve any advertising materials or media (and to require you to alter or cease using all or any portion of such advertising materials or media it does not approve).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 17–21)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure that all advertising materials and media conform to Counselor Realty's brand standards and image. This includes print, audio, video, websites, and computer-transmitted media. While Counselor Realty does not currently require pre-approval of advertising materials, they reserve the right to review and approve any advertising.
If Counselor Realty determines, in its sole discretion, that any advertising materials or media do not conform to their brand standard or image, they will direct the franchisee in writing to alter or remove the non-conforming materials. This means that a franchisee could be required to change or cease using advertising materials they have already developed and potentially paid for, if Counselor Realty deems them unsuitable.
This policy gives Counselor Realty significant control over the franchisee's advertising and marketing efforts. While the franchisee has the option to develop their own advertising, they must be prepared to make changes or remove materials at Counselor Realty's direction. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider Counselor Realty's brand standards and image to ensure their own advertising ideas align with the franchisor's vision. Franchisees should also factor in the potential costs of altering or removing advertising materials when budgeting for their marketing expenses.