Does Engel & Volkers reserve the right to make changes in the System Documentation from time to time?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 11: FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING]
Other Pre-Opening Obligations
Before you open your franchised business, we will:
(1) Designate your Protected Area. (Franchise Agreement, Section 2.3.)
(2) Approve your location as described above, but we will not help with conforming your premises to local ordinances and building codes, or with obtaining the required permits, or constructing, remodeling, the Americans with Disabilities Act or decorating your premises. (Franchise Agreement, Section 3.1 and Appendix 1.)
(3) Authorize your use of the ENGEL & VÖLKERS and other Trademarks in your business. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.)
(4) Provide access to the Engel & Völkers System and international network. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.1.1.)
(5) Provide training courses for you and your staff members, but it is your sole obligation to hire your employees or other staff members. (Franchise Agreement, Sections 5.1.2 and 9.)
(6) Provide access to the System Documentation, which contains our recommended methods, specifications, procedures and products for operation of your franchised business under the Engel & Völkers System. We reserve the right to make changes in the System Documentation from time to time. (Franchise Agreement, Sections 5.1.4 and 11.2.)
(7) Make available marketing materials and products and provide specifications regarding the Brokerage Design for equipment, signs, fixtures, though we do not deliver or install any such items. (Franchise Agreement, Sections 1.3, 10).
(8) Make our proprietary Integrated Product Suite available and integrate you into the Engel & Völkers information technology network. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.1.6.)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 43–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Engel & Volkers does reserve the right to make changes to the System Documentation periodically. The System Documentation includes the General Engel & Völkers Information Policy and Procedures Manual, The Shop Fitting Manual, and the Corporate Identity Manual.
This means that as an Engel & Volkers franchisee, you must stay updated with any changes to their recommended methods, specifications, procedures, and products for operating your franchise. These updates will be communicated to you through revisions to the System Documentation.
It is important to note that Engel & Volkers may modify its standards, and these changes will be communicated through updates to the System Documentation. This may require you to upgrade or update your systems, and there are no contractual limitations on the frequency or cost of this obligation.