Are Epcon Communities franchisees required to participate in the QualityMark inspection program?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 5.17 Franchisee shall fully participate in the QualityMark inspection program, or any successor program instituted by Franchisor (the "QualityMark Program"), and Franchisee shall employ or contract for an inspector to provide such inspections as required by the QualityMark Program, as the same may be prescribed in writing by Franchisor from time to time.
The QualityMark Program is not intended to exercise, and does not constitute, control over Franchisee's day-to-day operation of its business or the Project.
The QualityMark Program is also not intended to be, and does not constitute, an analysis of Franchisee's compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and codes.
The QualityMark Program is to protect Franchisor's interests in the Development System and the Marks and not for the purpose of establishing any control or duty to take control over those matters that are reserved to Franchisee.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 86–280)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Epcon Communities Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must fully participate in the QualityMark inspection program, or any successor program instituted by Epcon Communities. This participation includes employing or contracting for an inspector to provide inspections as required by the QualityMark Program, as prescribed in writing by Epcon Communities.
The QualityMark Program is designed to protect Epcon Communities' interests in the Development System and the Marks. It is not intended to control the franchisee's day-to-day operations or to analyze compliance with laws and regulations. This means that while franchisees must adhere to the inspection program, it does not give Epcon Communities direct control over how they run their business or ensure legal compliance.
This requirement ensures that all Epcon Communities projects meet a certain standard of quality, protecting the brand's reputation. However, it also means that franchisees will incur the cost of hiring an inspector to conduct these inspections. Prospective franchisees should factor this ongoing expense into their financial projections and understand the specific requirements of the QualityMark Program to ensure compliance.