What are the franchisee's obligations regarding participating in Remax's advertising and marketing programs as outlined in Item 9, and how does Remax ensure the effectiveness of these programs through the assistance described in Item 11?
Remax Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Each RE/MAX office must make monthly contributions to the Marketing Fund on behalf of each person who is licensed with the RE/MAX office (see Item 6 above).
Not all franchisees contribute to the Marketing Fund on the same basis as other franchisees. Marketing Fund fees differ depending on the state—or area within the state—that a franchisee is located. Moreover, in some instances, and usually for a limited period of time, RE/MAX Regional may vary, waive, reduce or defer Marketing Fund fees. As a result, not all franchisees contribute to the Marketing Fund on the same basis as other franchisees.
The Marketing Fund may furnish you with samples of advertising, marketing and promotional materials at no cost; you may also purchase additional copies of these materials from it. You are permitted to use your own advertising materials to specifically promote the Office if you follow the standards and policies issued by REMAX, LLC to protect the Marks. All of your advertising and promotion must be completely clear and factual and conform to the highest standards of fair and ethical marketing. (Franchise Agreement - Subsection 8.C.)
Although the Marketing Fund and Hot Air Balloon Funds are intended to maximize general public recognition of the Marks, the RE/MAX System and services offered by RE/MAX offices, neither RE/MAX Regional nor REMAX, LLC is obligated to ensure that expenditures by the Marketing Fund are proportionate or equivalent to the contributions to it by RE/MAX offices or that any RE/MAX office will benefit directly or in proportion to its contribution to the Marketing Fund and Hot Air Balloon Fund from the development of advertising and marketing materials or the placement of advertising. Neither RE/MAX Regional nor REMAX, LLC has any fiduciary obligations to you or any other RE/MAX office in connection with the establishment of the Marketing Fund or the collection, control or administration of monies paid into the Marketing Fund and RE/MAX Regional and REMAX, LLC expressly disavow the existence of any such fiduciary relationship. (Franchise Agreement - Subsection 9.C.) (See Item 6 above.)
Encourage use of the Marks and the RE/MAX System on a national and international basis. To this end, REMAX, LLC has established and maintains a national and international referral system. (Franchise Agreement - Subsection 9.E.)
Allow you to attend, at your expense, regional conferences and annual conventions designed to enhance the image of the RE/MAX System, assist franchisees in recruiting Sales Associates and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information on the operation of RE/MAX offices. (Franchise Agreement - Subsection 9.F.) You also will be entitled to receive any publications that RE/MAX Regional and REMAX, LLC produce and distribute. (Franchise Agreement - Subsection 9.G.)
Supplement the Office Materials and system standards for RE/MAX offices. RE/MAX Regional and REMAX, LLC may modify System standards from time to time and these modifications may obligate you to invest additional capital in the Office and/or incur higher operating costs. (Franchise Agreement - Section 3 and Subsections 5.B., 8.B. and 8.L.)
At your request and expense and in our discretion, provide in-person or remote consultation and guidance relating to the RE/MAX System. In addition, various educational courses and other assistance will periodically be made available in such areas as sales, fiscal management, office opening, recruiting and retention of Sales Associates and financial planning. (Franchise Agreement - Subsection 9.D.) (See Item 6 above.)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Remax Franchise Disclosure Document, Remax offices are obligated to make monthly contributions to the Marketing Fund for each licensed person in their office. However, the amount of these fees can vary by state or area within a state, and Remax Regional may, at times, alter, waive, reduce, or defer these fees. This means that not all franchisees contribute equally to the Marketing Fund.
Remax offers samples of advertising, marketing, and promotional materials to franchisees at no cost, with the option to purchase additional copies. Franchisees can also use their own advertising materials to promote their specific office, provided they adhere to Remax's standards and policies to protect the brand's trademarks. All advertising must be factual and ethical. Remax does not obligate itself to ensure that the Marketing Fund expenditures are proportionate to franchisee contributions or that each office directly benefits in proportion to their contribution. Remax also disclaims any fiduciary responsibility regarding the Marketing Fund's establishment, collection, control, or administration.
Remax encourages the use of its marks and system nationally and internationally, maintaining a referral system to this end. Franchisees can attend regional conferences and annual conventions at their own expense to enhance the Remax system's image and exchange ideas. Remax may also modify system standards, potentially requiring additional capital investment or higher operating costs for the franchisee. While Remax can provide consultation and guidance on the Remax system at the franchisee's request and expense, it is not obligated to ensure the effectiveness of marketing programs or that expenditures are proportionate to contributions.