Why You Should Own an AlphaGraphics Franchise Business

The What and Why of Owning a Franchise Business

How Does a Franchise Work?

A franchise business model allows for an entrepreneur interested in owning their own business to act as a franchisee and open a business site utilizing the franchisor’s operations, logos, business model, etc. In our context, a franchisee has the opportunity to own and operate their own AlphaGraphics location, wherever they want, and however they want, while acting under our corporate business model. Essentially, you have the opportunity to be your own boss, while not having to worry about every single detail of how your business functions, AlphaGraphics provides support for that.

AlphaGraphics is a B2B printing franchise, so all franchisees will operate under that model, whether starting the process from the beginning or converting their existing business.

What are the advantages of operating a franchise?

By the end of 2023, franchising in the United States is estimated to have employed 8.7 million people and contribute $860 billion in economic output through over 805,000 franchised locations! The franchise business model’s contribution to the US economy is expected to have grown by 4.2% in 2023. A franchise offers a proven business model, guidance, support, and brand identity. One may argue that this route to business ownership is more palatable than starting the process from scratch.

When we first speak to some candidates, they question the growth of the print industry; or ask “Isn’t print dying?” According to Dun & Bradstreet in 2023, the U.S. print industry generates about $80 billion in revenue in the United States and is projected to experience annual growth of 2.6% in the 5-year period from 2021-2026. Print is far from dying...it's just changing, so get started with us sooner rather than later.

*Sources: International Franchise Association and FRANdata 2023 Franchising Economic Outlook

AlphaGraphics Simplifies Starting the Process

Starting your own business is both an exciting, and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime venture. It also comes with a certain level of risk and fear. Overwhelmingly year after year around the world, franchising provides a desirable pathway to entrepreneurship for many people. While the risk and fear are very real, AlphaGraphics developed our franchise models to lean into your entrepreneurship skills. With your existing expertise, and our support and leadership, starting the process is easy. Here are some of the other ways AlphaGraphics stands by your side:

Brand identity and awareness
Purchasing power
Training and Development
Ongoing support and business development
Marketing assets, strategies, and KPI’s (key performance indicators)
Research and Development
Thought leadership
Multiple revenue streams
A network of like-minded franchisees
Preferred Vendors
And more!

No Print Background Needed

Our franchisees come from all types of business backgrounds. Many have never set foot in this industry before becoming an AlphaGraphics owner. If you are interested in buying an AlphaGraphics printing and marketing franchise in the USA, we will walk you through every step of this amazing business opportunity, whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out. From marketing and sales, to equipment operation, to learning and development, we have your back and always will.

FAQ's

Is a franchise model more likely to succeed vs a non-franchise model?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20 percent of all businesses in the U.S. close after the first two years of operation and a little over 38 percent after four years. However, these numbers vary greatly depending on the type of business you own. It’s generally accepted, because of their established, proven business practices, that franchises have higher success rates than independent businesses.

There’s a lot of information about the success rates of franchises, and to predict one brand will be successful while another won’t is extremely difficult. In a five-year study performed by franchise consulting firm FranNet, their results showed 92 percent of their franchise placements were still in business after two years, and 85 percent after five years.
Is the Print Industry still growing?
Some people think that “Print” is a dying industry. They don’t use Yellow Pages any longer. They question the impact of direct mail. They feel everything has moved “on-line”. The truth is, not only is the print industry still growing, segments of it are at all-time record highs.
How will I get all of my questions answered about your franchise business model?
We have a franchise development process that has been developed over 30 years. We guide you through a candid, pragmatic process rooted in integrity, honesty, and transparency. You will work with the Franchise Development team to get all your questions answered. “My goal is to put every potential franchisee in a position to make an informed decision for them and their family”
-Bill McPherson, VP of Development
Do I need print experience to do well with this franchise?
Not at all. In fact, less than 15% of our owners have any sort of print, marketing industry related experience. As such, AlphaGraphics offers a proven business model for entrepreneurs with a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
What is my total investment "all-in"?
It will vary on whether you build a new AlphaGraphics or acquire an existing business. Building a new center is almost always the least investment. “All in” investment ranges from $281,500-$389,450. This includes up to $74,000 in working capital.* We will break down the investment when we review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) together.
*2022 Franchise Disclosure Document
How much money can I make with this franchise?
As you might expect, there are many variables that affect your income potential with any business. In the franchise industry, it is against the law for ANY franchisor to answer this question. You will get the answer to the financial benefits of an AlphaGraphics franchise through 3 resources:
1. FDD--Our FDD has an extensive “Item 19” which lists financials performance from actual AlphaGraphics owners in the previous calendar year
2. Pro-Forma exercise--part of our process is to guide you through building financial projections and where to find key data points in our FDD, talking to franchise owners, industry websites, etc.
3. Speaking to owners--When we move into the “Validation” stage, you’ll have the opportunity to speak to actual franchise owners and ask them about their financial performance.
Can I own more than one AlphaGraphics franchise?
Absolutely. One of the things that appealed to our owners when they made the decision to join AlphaGraphics was the scalability of the model. Today, almost 30% of our network has more than one AlphaGraphics franchise There are discounted fees associated with multiple location ownership.