What online promotional strategies must an Engel & Volkers franchisee follow?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 10.6 On-line Promotions/Social Media: Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that it will comply with Franchisor's online and social media policies which are subject to change by Franchisor from time to time. Franchisee agrees and acknowledges that individual franchisee websites, mobile applications and other electronic media are prohibited, that Franchisee will not maintain any website or mobile application for its Residential Real Estate Brokerage or any of its Sales Advisors and that Franchisee's on-line promotional strategies must comply with Franchisor's online policy. Franchisee may establish and maintain its own social media accounts, subject to Franchisor's social media guidelines in effect from time to time and Franchisor's right to withdraw consent for such independent social media accounts at any time. Franchisee further agrees and acknowledges that Franchisor may review and monitor all online content on social media sites, blogs, electronic communication and other online sites and applications on which the Trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights or any similar marks are used. Franchisee agrees to remove any usage or content that Franchisor requires, including without limitation, content that Franchisor deems to be scandalous, immoral or detrimental to Franchisor's image. Franchisee further agrees and acknowledges that Franchisor may prohibit use of the Trademarks and any confusingly similar marks on any site or all sites and applications.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 88)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to specific online and social media policies, which Engel & Volkers may change over time. Franchisees cannot maintain individual websites, mobile applications, or other electronic media for their Residential Real Estate Brokerage or Sales Advisors. Instead, Engel & Volkers requires that a franchisee's online promotional strategies comply with Engel & Volkers' online policy. However, franchisees can establish and maintain their own social media accounts, so long as they follow Engel & Volkers' social media guidelines. Engel & Volkers retains the right to withdraw consent for these independent social media accounts at any time.
Engel & Volkers may review and monitor all online content on social media sites, blogs, electronic communications, and other online sites and applications where the Engel & Volkers trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, or similar marks are used. Franchisees must remove any usage or content that Engel & Volkers deems scandalous, immoral, or detrimental to its image. Engel & Volkers can also prohibit the use of trademarks and confusingly similar marks on any or all sites and applications.
These stipulations ensure brand consistency and protect Engel & Volkers' reputation across all digital platforms. For a prospective franchisee, this means a limited ability to customize their online presence and a need to stay updated with Engel & Volkers' evolving online and social media policies. It is important to maintain open communication with Engel & Volkers to ensure compliance and avoid any potential conflicts.