Who bears the expense of participating in Southern Steer's quality assurance monitoring programs?

According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for covering the costs associated with participating in any quality assurance monitoring programs that Southern Steer specifies. These programs may include customer polling via telephone or electronic means, as well as on-site "secret shopper" programs. The franchisee is also required to share the results of these programs with Southern Steer.

This means that as a Southern Steer franchisee, you will need to budget for these quality assurance programs. The exact cost will likely vary depending on the specific programs implemented by Southern Steer and the frequency with which they are conducted. It is important to factor in these ongoing expenses when evaluating the overall profitability of the franchise.

Quality assurance programs are a common practice in franchising, as they help maintain brand standards and customer satisfaction. By having franchisees bear the cost, Southern Steer ensures that each location is actively involved in monitoring and improving its performance. This also allows Southern Steer to gather data and insights from various locations, which can be used to improve the system as a whole.

Prospective franchisees should inquire with Southern Steer about the typical costs associated with these quality assurance programs to get a better understanding of the financial commitment involved. Understanding the scope and frequency of these programs is essential for accurate financial planning.