Who is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the necessary equipment and hardware to use the Engel & Volkers Integrated Product Suite?

According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the necessary equipment and hardware to use the Integrated Product Suite. Specifically, it is the franchisee's and each of its licensed users' responsibility to obtain and maintain the necessary equipment and hardware at their sole cost, as prescribed by Engel & Volkers. This includes any upgrades to hardware that may be required if the Integrated Product Suite is upgraded or if the hardware becomes unable to perform the required functions for electronic reporting. The franchisee and its licensed users must bear the cost of these upgrades.

This requirement means that prospective Engel & Volkers franchisees need to factor in the costs of not only the initial hardware and equipment but also the ongoing maintenance and potential future upgrades. These costs can vary depending on the specifications set by Engel & Volkers and the evolving technological needs of the Integrated Product Suite. It is important for franchisees to budget accordingly and stay informed about any upcoming changes or upgrades to the system.

Engel & Volkers also retains the right to modify the Integrated Product Suite and establish new standards for technology implementation within the Engel & Volkers system. Franchisees are obligated to adopt these changes and modifications at their own cost. This highlights the importance of maintaining a flexible budget and being prepared to invest in technological updates to remain compliant with Engel & Volkers' standards. Franchisees should communicate with Engel & Volkers to understand the potential scope and frequency of these changes to better manage their technology-related expenses.