What standards must the equipment purchased or leased by a Counselor Realty franchisee meet?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
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 must ensure that all signage, supplies, fixtures, equipment, and certain inventory purchased or leased for their business meet the standards and specifications established by Counselor Realty. These standards and specifications are further detailed in the Franchise Policy Guidelines issued by Counselor Realty, which franchisees are obligated to follow as per the Franchise Agreement.
This means a prospective Counselor Realty franchisee does not have complete autonomy in selecting their business equipment. Instead, they must adhere to Counselor Realty's prescribed standards, which are subject to periodic revisions. While franchisees can source authorized goods and services from any available supplier, the items themselves must align with Counselor Realty's requirements.
Counselor Realty retains the authority to modify these standards, potentially requiring franchisees to make additional investments to keep their business aligned with the updated requirements. It is important to note that Counselor Realty does not currently approve or disapprove suppliers but may do so in the future. Therefore, franchisees should stay informed about any changes to the Franchise Policy Guidelines to ensure ongoing compliance and avoid potential penalties.