This is probably too late to help, but here goes...
We actually had this exact same issue with a client. Ideally we would use a toll free number for all locations. These locations do interact with customers, but it is not the preferred method for new customers to contact us. (about 30% of transactions occur with the local location and 70% happen online, or with the call center)
In the end we sent in all the information ourselves but had each location verify by having a postcard sent to them. This was a huge pain. We had to contact each location manager as the post card was sent and have them make sure every employee who might touch the mail was aware that the postcard was coming.
I believe it was worth it. Everything is managed from the corporate office as well. But we had to make sure everything was verified properly. We are also a little wary of messing with anything Google has set up because we didn't want to have to go back and undo, then redo everything we set up.
I do have a follow up question for you, and anyone else who cares to chime in. Do you think there is value in having social media pages for every location? Just managing the corporate social media pages requires staff. To manage for 45 locations seems like an overwhelming task. However, if the value is really there, it is something we would have interest in exploring.
Best,
Joe
