Sandler Training

The technology fee of $1,200 per month is significantly above the industry typical range of $100–$500. What specific services and tools does this fee cover, and is there a breakdown of functionality?

The ad fund rate of $544.79 is substantially higher than typical (1.0–2.75%). How is this fund allocated, what marketing initiatives does it support, and can franchisees see ROI reporting?

The franchise fee of $59,000 exceeds the typical range. What is included in this initial investment, and are there any discounts or flexible payment terms available?

In 2023, 12 units closed (8.8% of the system). What were the primary reasons for these closures, and did any involve performance issues or lack of support?

The franchise agreement requires a personal guarantee with unlimited scope. Under what specific circumstances would the franchisor pursue enforcement against a franchisee personally?

Operational control requires all materials, programs, and assessment tools to be purchased from the franchisor or designated suppliers. What is the typical cost of these required purchases annually, and are there any volume discounts?

Minimum performance standards require 8 hours per month of public sales training initially, increasing to 12 hours after 14 months. How are these hours monitored, and what happens if a franchisee fails to meet these minimums?

The dispute resolution clause waives class action lawsuits and jury trials, requiring all disputes to be filed in Maryland state or federal courts. How frequently does the franchisor pursue disputes through this process, and what have been typical outcomes?

Territory is non-exclusive with no encroachment protection. Has the franchisor added competing units within existing franchisee territories, and if so, what support was provided to address potential cannibalization?

The non-compete clause lasts 2 years within a 50 miles radius post-termination. How strictly does the franchisor enforce this, and have there been disputes over its interpretation?

Top quartile sales reach $1,908,464 annually, but average sales are $737,851. What factors distinguish top performers, and are these financial metrics from established units or a mix of new and mature units?

The renewal fee is $0, but the transfer fee is $12,500. Can you clarify the conditions under which a transfer fee applies versus a renewal, and are there any other significant costs associated with renewal?

Termination is possible for 9 curable defaults (7–30 day cure periods) and 10 non-curable defaults. Can you provide the full list of non-curable defaults that would result in immediate termination?

The system lost 3 net units over 3 years while closures totaled 26 units. How many new units were added during this period, and what is the franchisor's current unit growth strategy?

The pending litigation is 0, but the franchise has 1 historical case with the franchisor as both defendant and plaintiff. What were the nature and outcomes of these cases, and do they represent ongoing issues?

Support & Training scores 71, below the typical range of 74.0–91.0. What specific training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide, and how does it compare to competitors in the business services category?

The Contract Terms score of 68 exceeds the typical range of 58.0–65.0, suggesting more franchisor-favorable terms. Are there any aspects of the agreement that are negotiable, or are terms standardized for all franchisees?

Late payments incur a $50 flat fee plus interest. What is the interest rate, and at what point do late payments trigger default and potential termination proceedings?

The non-renewal rate is 0.7% annually. What percentage of franchisees choose not to renew versus those required to renew? Are there any franchisees who have renewed multiple times successfully?

Does the franchisor provide any assistance with territory identification, market analysis, or lead generation, given that territories are non-exclusive with no encroachment protection?