Am I required to follow the advice provided by Gokhale Method regarding the Franchised Business?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
- 4.7. Ongoing Advice. During the Term of this Agreement, we may advise you from time to time regarding the Gokhale Way, in our discretion. Such advice may be furnished in the Teachers' Manual or in Policy Statements, during telephone conversations, through Internet sessions, live conversations or otherwise. Such advice may concern any aspect of the Franchised Business, and you must follow it unless otherwise specified.
8. YOUR DUTIES
8.1. Operating Standards. You understand and acknowledge that every detail of the System and the Franchised Business is important for delivering a high quality service and product, and therefore it is important to you, us, and other Gokhale Method teachers in order to develop and maintain high operating standards, to increase the demand for the services and products sold by all franchised businesses operating under the System, to protect and enhance our reputation and goodwill, to promote and protect the value of the Marks.
To those ends, you agree to comply with our operating standards as expressed in this Agreement, the Teacher's Manual, and in Policy Statements. You understand that we have the right to suspend your right to teach, or that we may terminate this Agreement, if you fail to maintain our Operating Standards. You agree that you will not teach, administer, advise or represent any method, healing regimen or protocol, or any other activity that is not part of the Gokhale System as being part of the Gokhale Method unless it has previously been approved by us in writing for your use as such.
8.2. Approved Formats. You agree to sell, offer for sale and deliver to students only the Gokhale System in Approved Formats and any related classes, services and products as have been expressly approved in writing by us and for which you have been qualified; to refrain from any deviation from our standards
8.10.
Changes to the System.
You agree that we have the right at our sole discretion to change the System from time to time, and you agree to comply with such changes and to cooperate with such changes as we may prescribe in the Teachers' Manual or in Policy Statements.
You agree that you shall not implement any change, amendment or improvement to the System without our express prior written consent.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must adhere to the advice provided by the franchisor regarding the operation of the franchised business. Specifically, Gokhale Method may offer advice concerning any aspect of the Franchised Business through various channels, including the Teacher's Manual, Policy Statements, telephone conversations, Internet sessions, or live conversations. Unless otherwise specified, franchisees are required to follow this advice.
This obligation extends to compliance with operating standards detailed in the Franchise Agreement, the Teacher's Manual, and Policy Statements. Franchisees must deliver the Gokhale System in Approved Formats and related classes, services, and products that have been expressly approved in writing by Gokhale Method. Deviation from these standards and specifications is not permitted without prior written consent, and Gokhale Method can disapprove any branded class, service, product, merchandise, and equipment in writing at any time.
Furthermore, Gokhale Method retains the right to modify the System from time to time, and franchisees are obligated to comply with such changes as prescribed in the Teachers' Manual or Policy Statements. Franchisees cannot implement any changes, amendments, or improvements to the System without the franchisor's express prior written consent. This ensures uniformity and quality control across all Gokhale Method franchises, protecting the brand's reputation and goodwill.