Is a Southern Steer franchisee responsible for charges related to telephone or e-mail assistance from Southern Steer?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
-
- Make a representative reasonably available to You via the telephone or e-mail during Our normal business hours, as We determine is necessary to discuss You Southern Steer Business, and marketing, strategy, or advice for Your Southern Steer Business. You are responsible for any applicable charges which may apply for any such additional assistance and/or resources, including travel and living expenses. (see Section 10.3(g) of the Franchise Agreement).
Source: Item 11 — ITEM. 11 FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 26–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, Southern Steer franchisees are responsible for any applicable charges for additional assistance and/or resources, including travel and living expenses, related to telephone or e-mail assistance.
Specifically, Southern Steer will make a representative reasonably available to franchisees via telephone or e-mail during normal business hours to discuss the Southern Steer business, marketing, strategy, or advice. However, the franchisee is responsible for any applicable charges for such additional assistance and/or resources, including travel and living expenses.
This means that while Southern Steer offers support via phone and email, franchisees should be aware that these services may not be entirely free. Franchisees should clarify what constitutes 'additional assistance' and what specific charges they might incur to budget accordingly and avoid unexpected costs. It is important to understand the scope of free support versus billable consulting to effectively manage the business.