Under what condition may a Counselor Realty franchisee be required to modify their hardware?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are not required to buy or use any particular electronic computer system. Counselor is not obligated to assist you in obtaining your personal computer, related hardware or telephone service. You may be required to modify your hardware periodically if Counselor makes changes to the System.
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 FDD, a franchisee may be required to modify their computer hardware if Counselor Realty makes changes to its computer system. While franchisees are not required to buy or use any particular electronic computer system, this clause ensures that all franchisees remain compatible with the franchisor's technology.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as franchisors often update their systems to improve efficiency or security. The franchisee is responsible for keeping up with these changes. However, the FDD does not specify who bears the costs of these modifications.
A prospective Counselor Realty franchisee should clarify with the franchisor whether they will be responsible for covering the costs of these hardware modifications, and attempt to estimate how frequently such modifications might be needed.