How long does Engel & Volkers take to approve a supplier after receiving all requested material?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company will notify a franchisee about a supplier approval within four weeks of receiving all requested materials for review. If Engel & Volkers does not respond within this four-week period, the supplier is considered approved. There is no fee for requesting supplier approval.

This policy is important for prospective Engel & Volkers franchisees because it outlines the process and timeframe for using suppliers not already approved by the company. Franchisees are not limited to only using Engel & Volkers' designated suppliers for certain products and services using the Trademarks, but they must seek approval to use other suppliers. This allows franchisees some flexibility in sourcing products and services, potentially finding better prices or more suitable options, while ensuring that all suppliers meet Engel & Volkers' standards.

The approval process involves the franchisee submitting all requested information, specifications, and samples to Engel & Volkers. Engel & Volkers has the right to request that samples be delivered to them or a designated testing facility for evaluation. The approval is at Engel & Volkers' sole discretion and must be provided in writing. The approval may also be conditional, based on factors such as delivery frequency, service standards, insurance coverage, indemnity agreements, confidentiality agreements, and the supplier's payment of reasonable license fees if the Trademarks are used. Engel & Volkers also retains the right to re-inspect the products or services of any approved supplier and revoke the approval if the supplier fails to meet the company's current criteria.

Engel & Volkers' ability to approve or disapprove suppliers gives them significant control over the quality and consistency of products and services used within the franchise system. While this may limit a franchisee's autonomy, it also helps maintain brand standards and protect the overall reputation of Engel & Volkers. The four-week approval period provides a reasonable timeframe for franchisees to receive a decision, and the automatic approval if no response is received ensures that the process does not unduly delay the franchisee's operations.