The Original Poster Company
Description:
A franchise with The Original Poster Company - the world's largest franchised distributor of greeting cards - gives you the freedom and independence to control your own future.
Opportunities:
Franchise resales available in the UK and Ireland.
Master franchise also available in Spain.
Business Type:
Franchise.
Minimum Investment:
£20,000.
Home-based:
Yes.
Who is The Original Poster Company Limited and what do we do?
Founded in the UK in February 1991, we originally distributed posters and greetings cards of the same images. The growth of the greetings card market in the early 1990’s resulted in us changing our focus on our future development to one based purely on cards, and the development of a franchised distribution network.
By 1993 the entire UK territory as well as Ireland had been franchised and today, The Original Poster Company has over 70 franchisees within the UK and Ireland, with a number of Master Franchisees distributing our product through their own franchisee networks worldwide.
The product range has also grown to accommodate the needs of retailers both large and small; with a strong emphasis on supplying the convenience market with specific “One Stop Shop” displays together with gift wrap and gift bags.
So what does an Original Poster Company franchisee do?
Our franchisees supply retailers with free displays and stock on sale or return. They visit the stores within their exclusive territory every month or so and replace the cards that have been sold, invoice the store and collect their money. It's a very attractive proposition for the retailer because there is no risk or cost to them - they only buy what they have already sold.
The product sells itself; all the franchisee has to do is collect the money! The franchise can be home-based and using a small van or a medium sized hatchback car, the franchisee can easily supply their stores or build the franchise up to the point where others are employed to do the daily merchandising visits, and the franchisee operates as a manager.
How far the franchise progresses, is up to the franchisee. The Original Poster Company is there every step of the way with an intensive training program, lots of ongoing support and managed development to ensure that the business continues to meet everyone’s needs.
And what could a franchisee earn?
We expect each area of around 550,000 people to supply 110-150 retail shops. Some of our franchisees have over 200 accounts in their portfolio. Each store should sell on average 50–100 cards per month at a profit of 30–40p per card.
Here are some real examples of franchisee card sales and estimated earnings:
Franchisee 1
Supplies 110 shops
Sells 10,374 cards per month @ 32p gross profit
= £3,319 Gross Profit per month
= £39,828 Gross Profit per annum
Franchisee 2
Supplies 148 shops
Sells 13,916 cards per month @ 33p gross profit
= £4,592 Gross Profit per month
= £55,104 Gross Profit per annum
Call us now for more information on areas available for resale. You’re not just purchasing an area, you’re purchasing an established area within a franchise network based on a stable and proven system. The product is attractive to retailers and there’s no ceiling as to what can be earned. Last but not least, it’s a great fun-filled industry with the bonus of being home-based !
If you complete the short form below we will contact you directly.
"We have now been running our OPC business for just over three years. In the first month of trading we sold 1,500 cards; now we sell in excess of 10,000 cards per month and rising. Our plan is to grow the business as much as possible and create a sound business that will give us good profits and financial security in the future. Every day is a challenge when running your own company but the rewards and satisfaction come when you see it developing." - Jane and Martin Tillsley, Birmingham/Coventry
"Since we bought the business we haven’t looked back. We received excellent training, backed up by regular support and first class administration behind the scenes, which gave us the skills and confidence to start working within this industry. OPC have regularly added new designs to their existing portfolio, and introduced several ranges of new cards to the market. Our card sales have already increased by over 30%, through both the expansion of existing accounts and the acquisition of new business." - Mark and Tracey Sheldrake, Croydon
"Two years into my OPC business, I know I made a good decision. The criteria I had set myself have all been met and I can honestly say that I never now get that ‘Monday morning’ feeling. When the adjoining area to mine came up for sale, I decided to take the plunge and so I purchased that one too!" - Tony Hall, Southampton/Bournemouth
