AlphaGraphics
At AlphaGraphics, we do more than just design, copy and print - we help our customers communicate. Today, the need for effective communication is stronger than ever before - you need to inform, involve, impress and inspire people. You need to connect. At AlphaGraphics, we help you do that better. That's because we know that good communication is all about people, and the well trained, experienced people at AlphaGraphics are committed to making the most of every visual communication project.
About Us
AlphaGraphics, the global print and marketing communications franchise, has boosted its expansion strategy with an innovative business model. The ‘digital centre’ model focuses on added value, technology based services. As a result, initial investment requirements are low, creating attractive franchise solutions for dynamic individuals with sales and marketing backgrounds, who are looking to be part of the fast growing visual communications market.
“AlphaGraphics’ digital centres have evolved from our intensive growth strategy which is set to take the UK network to 30 franchised units by 2010, and we’re well on track with 2 new franchisees opened in the last 4 months. This digital business model appeals to investors of all levels who have the drive and enthusiasm to build a profitable business based on technology, quality and customer service.” Jason Simpson, Managing Director, AlphaGraphics UK.
THE CREDENTIALS
Established in 1970 in Tucson, USA, the AlphaGraphics network is comprised of nearly 300 business centres across the world. AlphaGraphics is committed to the highest quality standards and as a result is the only global visual communications franchisor to have attained ISO 9001 certification.AlphaGraphics has a pedigree for growing successful businesses; in fact the average turnover of AlphaGraphics centres is over double the average turnover in the UK franchise print market. Recently, one of the UK’s AlphaGraphics centres achieved 1st rank in the entire global network making it possibly the biggest franchised print business in the world!
THE SERVICE
As an AlphaGraphics franchisee you will work with people to plan, produce and manage visual communications, enabling customers to achieve their goals more effectively and confidently.
Typical horizontal markets for AlphaGraphics Centres are Sales & Marketing and HR departments within medium to large sized businesses as well as owners of small to medium enterprises, whereas our core vertical markets are Public Sector, Education & Training, Retail, Manufacturing, Marketing & Healthcare.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS – INCREASED MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS
Not only can this ‘variable’ printing make dramatic improvements in marketing effectiveness, it also makes sense as customers can print 'on demand', rather than printing thousands of items and being left with surplus stock. It’s really taking off, and it’s here to stay. “One third of direct mail respondents prefer to do so online”
Direct Marketing Association
AlphaGraphics customers can now run personalised and targeted campaigns and expect an increased response rate of 3-5 times. Complimenting fully personalised direct mail, personalised websites or ‘landing pages’ capture and exploit customer information, something the traditional website doesn’t do.
Additional value adding services that have already become hugely successful across the AlphaGraphics network include AG Online, an online ordering and print management solution that enables customers to order, amend, track and report on all of their visual communications from their computer. In partnership with Adobe, AlphaGraphics have also developed PDF Express, an online artwork encapsulation and submission tool. Both of these services are now saving customers and franchisees both time and money through automating and streamlining their business processes. “AlphaGraphics franchisees are in a unique position to be able to add value to their client’s visual communications. It’s no longer about simply putting ink on paper; it’s about providing an end-to-end solution to business owners and sales & marketing professionals. As an AlphaGraphics franchisee you will be able to offer design, print and fulfilment on a broad range of marketing collateral backed up by ‘best of breed’ lead generation tools, brand management tools and service delivery tools” Jason Simpson, Managing Director AGUK.
PROVEN SUCCESS
The AlphaGraphics Centre in the heart of Leeds has quickly grown to achieve 200% of the typical 1st year budget for an AlphaGraphics start-up, In Paul’s words, “When you’re setting up a franchise for the first time, having the backing of world-class training and support makes all the difference, as Leeds AlphaGraphics franchisee Paul O’Sullivan discovered. For Paul, the satisfaction is in always being able to say ‘yes’ to a rush job because rapid response is one of his company’s USP’s.“One of the reasons I chose to go into partnership with AlphaGraphics was its ‘can do’ philosophy,” says Paul. “I liked the idea of a well established organisation that had a network of over 200 franchises in the US and nearly 300 worldwide, that I could call on, if needed, to help me deliver fast turnaround promises to clients.”
“The one thing that really convinced me to open an AlphaGraphics was the tremendous level of support and training on offer: it really was exceptional…and it was guaranteed.”
“Once I committed myself to a territory, I spent a great deal of time developing detailed business plans with the senior team from AlphaGraphics. Nothing was left to chance, every angle was covered; we ended up with a realistic and workable plan tailored to our own store and our own circumstances. That gave me a lot of confidence.”
When the planning was completed, PauI went to the US for a three-week ‘demanding but hugely enjoyable’ residential New Franchisee Training course at the AlphaGraphics global headquarters. “I came away certain I was prepared for life as a business centre owner and equally certain I was in safe hands,”
“It made me realise that I didn’t have to know everything about print, software and e-commerce – all of that could be learned. What was really needed though was an ability to listen to customers and to market and sell our products, which is where my experience and expertise lay.”
“The result of our careful preparation was that we hit the ground running,” said Paul. “Sales in the early months were exactly in line with the business plans we’d put together earlier and, most importantly, we all felt that we were totally in control: we really knew what were doing.”
“There’s no question that the AlphaGraphics training and support programme did exactly what they said it would: it prepared us in the best possible way to run our own business centre. Now it’s up to us!”
Training and Support
Initial and OngoingThe majority of our franchisees come to AlphaGraphics with no prior experience in the printing industry. That's why our comprehensive training program takes you through every facet of the business.
The AlphaGraphics franchise scheme provides support and advice during every stage of the start-up process. Site selection is always a key decision. Once a suitable site has been agreed, we will arrange architects drawings and shopfitting quotes. Equipment and stock are installed and suitable staff recruited. New franchise training is arranged at US headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. This last 4 weeks followed by two weeks of training in the UK at one of our stores, where valuable day to day operating experience will be gained.
During your first year of operation we will regularly appraise your business performance with you as your store develops. Marketing programmes and sales promotion schemes are available to help you increase market share and profits. Training courses are available from AlphaGraphics staff and independent trainers.
Financial Information
AlphaGraphics offer a reducing royalty structure: 10% payable on gross sales up to £450k, 7% between £450k and £900k and 5% thereafter. In addition you earn 25% of this back in Universal Service Credits on the royalties which are monies used to improve your business through training, additional support or marketing. Therefore the net fees are 7.5%, 5.25% and 3.75%.
Compare these fees with our competitors and calculate for yourself the value you could add to your business.
(Please note figures are adjusted annually on October 1st by RPI. Prices correct as May 2007)
Who's Ideal for Us
We are looking for ambitious candidates who have held senior sales and/or marketing positions and enjoy the challenge of leading and motivating their team.Franchisees with diverse experience comprise our network with little in common other than the desire for entrepreneurial excellence, the willingness to make it happen for the financial rewards, and an interest in an intellectually challenging future.
Your own experience in working with other people is a primary consideration in becoming an AlphaGraphics franchisee. If you can manage others effectively, are customer focused and want to be rewarded on the basis of your own efforts, then an AlphaGraphics franchise may be the right opportunity for you.
We’re set to grow…are you?
Territories/Locations
AlphaGraphics have ‘green-field’ territories available in several areas of the UK, as well as resale opportunities from time to time.| Categories | ||
|---|---|---|
| Business Services | IT & Computing | Printing & Signage |
| New Media |
