Before getting started, you’re sure to have questions about franchising. Find answers to common questions like what it costs and how the process works.
HOW MUCH ARE STARTUP COSTS FOR AN ALLEGRA® CENTER?
IN THE U.S.:*
Initial franchise fee: $45,000
Startup costs for a MatchMaker® Center: $125,811 to $378,185
Startup costs for an Advantage Center: $27,861-$249,382
Startup costs for conversion of an American Speedy Printing or Insty-Prints Center: $10,000-$194,882
*Find a detailed breakdown of startup costs for all business models in Item 7 of our most recent FDD.
IN CANADA:**
Initial franchise fee: $45,000
Startup costs for a MatchMaker® Centre: $125,572–$369,206
Startup costs for an Advantage Centre: $27,861-$249,382
Startup costs for conversion of a Speedy Printing or KKP Centre: $10,000-$194,882
*All costs expressed in U.S. dollars. Find a detailed breakdown of startup costs for all business models in Section 6 of our most recent FDD.
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE?
While we can neither speculate on nor predict your financial results, you can find more information in Item 19 of our U.S. FDD. Item 19 includes a breakdown of the most recent year’s earnings as reported by our franchisees. Outcomes are affected by a number of variables including your skill set, the state of your market as well as the sign and graphics industry overall, the location of your franchise and many unknown factors.
Financial statements are included in Section 8 of our Canadian FDD.
As part of the validation process for qualified franchise candidates in both countries, you will be speaking with existing Allegra® franchise owners who can answer questions about their financial performance, P&Ls and other items of interest.
WHAT DO I NEED TO SUCCEED AS AN ALLEGRA® FRANCHISE MEMBER?
If you’re good with people, you’ve got one of the most important skills shared by successful Allegra® franchise owners. You will use that skill set every day as you manage your staff, interact with customers, make sales calls and network within your community. Other important skills and traits include organizational ability, an understanding of finance and marketing, and a willingness to implement our proven systems. Finally, it has been our experience that Allegra® Franchise Members who get the most out of this business simply have a strong desire to succeed.
WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR BECOMING A FRANCHISE CANDIDATE?
You need a net worth of at least $300,000 and a minimum liquidity of $150,000.
WHAT BUSINESS MODELS ARE AVAILABLE?
In the U.S., you can purchase an existing Allegra® franchise or buy an independent printing shop and convert it to an Allegra® Center through our MatchMaker® Program. You can also convert American Speedy Printing or Insty-Prints centers into an Allegra® franchise. The cost of converting American Speedy or Insty-Print to Allegra® ranges from $10,000-$194,882.
In Canada, you can purchase an existing Allegra® franchise through our MatchMaker® Program. You can also convert a Speedy Printing Centre or KKP Centre into an Allegra® franchise.
HOW BIG IS THE PRINTING INDUSTRY?
The global printing market is estimated at $740 billion, with the U.S. market at $77 billion, with stable growth predicted through 2026, according to Research and Markets. The digital printing segment is especially promising, with Allied Market Research predicting it to reach $4.3 billion by 2026, nearly double the size of the segment in 2018. Printing and marketing franchises like Allegra® that increasingly offer digital services are most likely to thrive as the industry evolves.
IS THE PRINTING INDUSTRY SUSTAINABLE IN THIS DIGITAL AGE?
Yes. The printing industry continues growing as printed materials are still extensively used by businesses, organizations and the community at large. Allegra® franchise owners offer their customers the convenience of online ordering and print management through e-commerce to increase sales, client loyalty and satisfaction. In addition, Franchise Members develop websites, email campaigns and social media strategies for their customers, often tapping into our headquarters-based Marketing Resource Center for help with development and implementation.
WHAT KIND OF ONGOING FRANCHISE SUPPORT CAN I COUNT ON?
Our in-house Marketing and Sales teams provides complete sales, marketing and public relations support and produces turnkey marketing materials and programs to build brand awareness, generate sales leads and develop key accounts within your business community.
In addition, the Allegra® Technology team is available to answer your questions 24/7 about everything from computers and prepress to printing, mailing and software via our help-desk phone line. Our Home Office teams also evaluate new products, researches ideas to enhance operations and publishes numerous technical bulletins, manuals and other training materials for your benefit throughout the year.
WHAT KIND OF CUSTOMERS WILL I BE WORKING WITH?
Allegra® Centers provide digital and print communication services for small to medium-sized businesses. Since you’ll be working primarily with other businesspeople in your community, most of your customers will be entrepreneurs like you. Your job will be to provide them with professional marketing materials and programs that will help them meet their business goals.
WHAT WILL MY WORKING HOURS BE LIKE?
This is one of the biggest questions about franchising, and one that often has the most disappointing answer. While you’ll naturally work more hours in the beginning as you get your franchise off the ground, you’ll be happy to learn that your weekends are your own. Our Centers operate from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you have more questions about franchising with Allegra®, let’s talk. Please fill out the form on this page to start a conversation.