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Monthly Archives: August 2023

6 Answers to New Franchisee Questions

August 23, 2023

Congratulations on considering the exciting journey of becoming a franchise owner! Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can be both thrilling and daunting, and you’re bound to have lots of questions. Our franchise development team at SpeedPro is happy to answer them, providing clarity and building confidence in your decision to join our franchise network.

Let’s delve into some common questions new and prospective franchisees often have, so you can feel more secure in your next step toward franchise ownership.

1. Do I need print experience to join this business?

One of the most common questions we receive from potential SpeedPro owners is, “Is print experience required? Our answer is no! SpeedPro franchisees do not need experience in the large-format printing in order to excel as a printing franchise owner.

The SpeedPro model is set up to train every new franchisee on equipment, service offerings and processes—regardless of how much or how little print experience they come in with. Through our hands-on training program, you’ll learn everything you need to know about operating a SpeedPro Studio successfully.

2. How do I finance my franchise Studio?

Franchise financials is another top concern among prospective franchisees—and for good reason! You want to make sure you can afford the franchise you’re investing in and find ways to pay for it responsibly.

SpeedPro does not offer franchise financing in-house. However, we do maintain relationships with third-party companies who may offer financing options for your business. Additionally, there are other methods of funding your Studio, including conducting a 401(k) rollover, obtaining a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, or funding your business with cash savings.

3. What kinds of support does SpeedPro offer?

Every franchise operates a little differently, so it’s natural to be curious about the level of support each one will offer. At SpeedPro, we pride ourselves on offering a superior level of support to franchise owners—before, during and after launch.

When you get started in our franchise network, you can expect new franchisee support in the realms of financing, Studio location and lease negotiation and general onboarding. Once you sign your franchise agreement, you’ll partake in a two-week, hands-on training course to learn the ins and outs of the business. This is followed by a robust Ramp-Up Program that will help you build local connections and generate revenue for your business even before your doors open.

After your successful launch, you’ll get even more support on an ongoing basis. Our corporate team executes large-scale advertising programs that are funded by your marketing fund contributions. We offer both a SpeedPro University online learning center and The Hub resource center to encourage ongoing education as well as webinars and other training sessions to help you grow as a business owner. And, we all gather once a year for our annual SpeedPro convention, where you can learn from your fellow franchisees and grow your network!

4. Can I own multiple SpeedPro Studios?

Yes, you can own multiple SpeedPro Studios! Ambitious franchise owners may be interested in expanding their portfolio with several Studio locations. However, SpeedPro owners have limitless-scalability with a single location as well.

Our Studio owners have the freedom to make their businesses as large or small as they desire. The business model allows for growth at a pace that’s comfortable for you and adaptable to the market. You can stay a locally focused shop or set your sights on nationwide sales.

5. How can I make my SpeedPro Studio my own?

One of the biggest benefits of investing in a franchise network is that the business model is proven and set up, so you can hit the ground running. That being said, many new franchisees value the ability to tailor their businesses to their personal interests. SpeedPro offers a healthy mix of both!

Our services and products are appliable to a variety of industries, from real estate to education to Fortune 500 companies. However, SpeedPro owners can choose which areas they’d like to focus their business on the most. If your local market has a large pool of nonprofit clients, you can tap into them! Or, if you have ties to your academic community, you can focus on serving their large-format printing needs. In this way, you can pursue projects you’re passionate about and tailor the SpeedPro product line to meet clients’ unique needs.

6. What’s the benefit of joining SpeedPro over an independent business?

Still on the fence about investing in a franchise instead of forging ahead on your own? SpeedPro’s established franchise network has a lot to offer aspiring entrepreneurs. First and foremost, we’re a household name in the large-format printing industry, with decades of experience and a proven product line that’s helped us find success.

With a nationwide network of Studios, SpeedPro can leverage purchasing power on equipment and materials, which lowers the cost of doing business. This is in addition to the substantial investment our corporate team makes in ongoing education and innovation to ensure all Studios stay at the forefront of the industry.

If it wasn’t clear already, SpeedPro is here to help. We are proud to offer tremendous support and education to our new franchisees, with the goal of making your transition into business ownership as smooth as possible. Ready to take the leap? Learn more about our large-format printing franchise!

Generating Leads as a Print Franchise

August 4, 2023

All businesses need customers. But one of the things many new entrepreneurs struggle with is determining where to find those customers. Lead generation—the process of identifying and nurturing potential clients—is crucial to the success of your large-format print Studio.

As a SpeedPro franchisee, your primary responsibility will be sales and lead generation. Think of yourself as the face of the brand in your local community. Building strong relationships with potential clients and showcasing the value of your Studio’s large-format printing services are essential for acquiring new customers. Fortunately, SpeedPro serves clients across a wide range of industries. This means your Studio’s potential client pool is large, no matter the market you’re in! Even better, you won’t be on your own—we provide comprehensive training and valuable marketing resources to support your efforts.

Check out some of the top ways SpeedPro Studio owners cultivate leads for their businesses.

Use SpeedPro’s Ramp-Up Program and marketing support

At SpeedPro, we give all new franchisees a leg up from the very beginning through several marketing and sales support programs. First and foremost, our Ramp-Up Program allows you to get a boost in business and begin generating leads and revenue, even before you open your Studio doors. You’ll source orders from small-format print partners and work with a Buddy Studio nearby to fulfill them. Our field consultants will also help you network in your city and begin building relationships that can turn into leads down the road.

Once your Studio is officially open, SpeedPro continues to support your business through our corporate marketing fund, which you’ll contribute to monthly. These fees support the national branding and advertising efforts we execute, including our corporate and Studio-specific websites.

Network with local businesses

SpeedPro focuses heavily on sourcing leads from the local community you operate in. Networking within your local area is a powerful way to generate a potential client pool and establish a strong brand presence.

Get involved with local business associations, join your regional or state Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations and attend networking events to start building connections. You never know which relationships with other businesses might lead to fruitful partnerships and referrals! Additionally, consider participating in local trade shows and conferences to showcase your services and engage directly with potential clients.

Attend and sponsor community events

Taking community engagement a step further, show your support for the neighborhood by participating in sponsorships and events. Align your brand with community initiatives, charities or local sports teams. This not only boosts your brand visibility but also highlights your commitment to the community’s well-being and positions you as a good partner.

Community events provide ample opportunities to enhance brand awareness and meet potential clients. Event hosts, academic professionals, nonprofits and many more will get eyes on your business. Make sure you attend these events in your SpeedPro wrapped vehicle, which serves as a mobile billboard for your services!

Use digital marketing strategically

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for lead generation, since many B2B clients will turn to search engines while they do research. Your website serves as your virtual storefront and portfolio, which is why we make sure every SpeedPro Studio has its own dedicated site.

Don’t underestimate the power of social media, either. Maintain active profiles on popular platforms and share visually appealing content (like your latest projects) regularly. Engage with your audience, respond to inquiries promptly and use social media advertising to reach a broader target audience. Not sure where to start? SpeedPro also offers social media support and guidance to its owners.

Additionally, online advertising allows you to target specific customer segments through robust targeting options. If your Studio is trying to home in on one client vertical in particular, digital ads might be a beneficial option for your Studio.

Encourage client referrals

Word-of-mouth marketing is often considered one of the most reliable—and cost-effective—strategies available. Because of our commitment to great customer service, referrals are a huge part of SpeedPro’s business. After all, happy customers are more likely to refer you to their friends!

Consider implementing a referral program to encourage existing clients to spread the word. This might take the form of referral discounts, requested online reviews or other means of gathering client testimonials.

Put your Studio on the path to success

As a print franchisee, generating leads is the lifeblood of your business. By leveraging local networking, a robust online presence and targeted advertising, you can attract a steady stream of potential customers.

Once you have a pool of leads, don’t forget to nurture and track them! Some customers might not have a project right away, but will in the future. By keeping the SpeedPro name at the top of their minds, you’ll increase your chances of landing the sale. And, with the support and resources provided by our corporate SpeedPro team, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving large-format print business. Ready to get started? Reach out today to learn more about SpeedPro’s growing large-format printing franchise opportunity.