The Cost and Success of Starting a Printing Franchise

How Do The Numbers Look?

It is important to understand the performance both at a franchise system level and franchisee center level. You also need to know the ins and outs of franchise costs so you are prepared to run your own business. Although the early 2020s posed a challenging market for businesses across the globe, AlphaGraphics’ network of printing business franchises met the challenge, performed exceptionally well, and have rebounded in a big way. In 2023, the AlphaGraphics network had its second consecutive highest grossing year ever, and is well on pace for a 3rd in 2024.

AlphaGraphics offers the opportunity for you to own your own marketing, technology and print shop franchise in today’s digital/web-based environment. During your due diligence process, we will be providing you with a breakdown of initial costs and ongoing fees as well as our current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The FDD includes key performance indicators from actual AlphaGraphics franchise centers over the last several years.

Each AlphaGraphics marketing and print shop franchise is independently owned and operated and your particular business results may vary. Read on to learn more about average franchise fees and franchise startup costs.

Your Initial Investment

As a new franchisee, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee to enter our franchise system. This gives you access to our business systems and a license to own and operate a business under our name. The fee covers all of the initial assistance we’ll provide in opening your center, and of course ongoing rights to use the brand. There are other fees and qualifications associated with the initial start-up, see how they are outlined below:

Initial Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee: need $49,750

Initial Marketing Fee: need $10,000

Total Investment Range: $291,639 - $374,889

Initial Qualifications

Good or Excellent Credit

Liquid Capital Requirement: $100,000

Net Worth Required: $350,000

The Strongest Unit-Economics In The Industry₁

Single Center Level Figures: Calendar Year 2023

Owning a franchise can be extremely profitable, and AlphaGraphics Centers had some of the highest figures in the print and marketing franchising industry in 2023.

$1,375,854
Average Annual Gross Sales*

$9,085,732
Highest Annual Gross Sales*

$2,344,397
Median Annual Gross Sales*
Top 25%

*2023 Franchise Disclosure Document

₁Based on a review of several 2022 and 2023 FDD's of print and sign franchise concepts in the United States

Strength In Numbers

50+ Years - Tremendous Brand Strength and Stability

After developing the company’s operating systems and business model into a successful brand, AlphaGraphics began franchising opportunities for its printing, sign, and advertising shops in 1979.

Today, there are nearly 300 franchised AlphaGraphics locations with many more franchise opportunities all the time. Our passion for marketing, entrepreneurship, and franchising has us poised for an exciting future. We extend franchise opportunities to self-starting entrepreneurs who want to own a print and marketing company. Our next success story could be yours!