What specifications must the fixtures purchased or leased by a Counselor Realty franchisee meet?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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The Franchise Agreement requires you to purchase or lease signage and other supplies, fixtures, equipment and certain inventory used in the Business that meet standards and specifications established by Counselor. You may obtain authorized goods and services from any available source of supply. Your Business may be identified only by Marks Counselor authorizes.
Standards and specifications for establishing and operating the Business also are described in the Franchise Policy Guidelines issued by Counselor, and you are bound by the terms of the Franchise Agreement to operate the Business in accordance with the requirements of the Franchise Policy Guidelines as revised periodically by Counselor.
Although Counselor establishes various standards and specifications for the goods and services that go into the establishment and operation of your Business, Counselor currently does not approve or disapprove suppliers as such (as distinguished from the goods or services they supply) and therefore currently maintains no criteria for approving suppliers or communicating approval or revocation of approval of suppliers to franchisees. Counselor may establish such criteria in the future. You may be directed to vendors able to supply portions of your requirements for certain items used in the ongoing operation of the Business. Counselor does not derive income solely from purchases made by franchisees from third party suppliers. Third party suppliers may make contributions from time to time to System sales promotion, advertising or other programs. Counselor also reserves the right to receive fees or other consideration in exchange for rights licensed or services rendered to third parties, including vendors. Counselor does not guarantee the availability of independent sources of supply for any particular product or service required to establish or operate a Business.
9. FRANCHISEE'S OBLIGATIONS
THIS TABLE LISTS YOUR PRINCIPAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 15–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Counselor Realty's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase or lease fixtures that meet the standards and specifications established by Counselor Realty. These standards and specifications are further detailed in the Franchise Policy Guidelines, which Counselor Realty may revise periodically. Franchisees are bound by the terms of the Franchise Agreement to operate their business in accordance with these guidelines.
While Counselor Realty establishes standards for goods and services, including fixtures, they do not currently approve or disapprove specific suppliers. This means franchisees have the flexibility to source these items from any available supplier, as long as the items meet Counselor Realty's established standards. However, Counselor Realty may provide a list of vendors who can supply certain items needed for the business's operation.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review the Franchise Policy Guidelines to understand the specific requirements for fixtures, signage, and other supplies. It is important to ensure that all purchased or leased items comply with these standards to maintain Counselor Realty's brand consistency and operational standards. Franchisees should also inquire about any potential changes to supplier approval processes or guidelines to stay informed about sourcing options.