City Publications Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$46,300 - $269,900
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total US Locations
40
Business Summary
City Publications offers franchises for a business that provides high-quality direct mail advertising services. This business targets affluent homeowners with direct mail, email, and mobile marketing advertisements. Franchisees can also offer a print advertising model featuring booklets of advertisements, which helps reach smaller towns. Franchisees typically operate this business from a small home office.
Corporate History
City Publications Franchise Group, Inc. was incorporated in Georgia on December 31, 2002. The company was formed solely to offer franchises for businesses that provide high-quality direct mail advertising, email, and mobile marketing targeted at affluent homeowners. City Publications has been offering franchises since its formation in 2002 and does not operate company-owned businesses of this type. Their affiliate, City Publications Service, Inc., operates one such business in Atlanta. The company also introduced a print advertising franchise model in 2025, offering a booklet of advertisements. A predecessor, Pride of the City, Inc., operated a similar business and offered licenses from 2002 to 2004, but those licensees are no longer operating.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$46,300 - $269,900
Franchise Fee (Low)
$40,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$250,000
Royalty %
6%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$400
Equipment Costs (High)
$3,000
Working Capital
$5,750
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
City Publications has audited financial statements with an unqualified opinion, meaning the auditors believe the financial statements fairly present the company's financial position. However, City Publications reports a negative shareholder deficit, which was $(73,998) in 2024 and $(85,610) in 2023. This deficit is largely due to significant advances made to affiliates (over $1.9 million in 2024), which bear no interest and have no repayment terms.
Financing Details
City Publications does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees, nor does it guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations. Franchisees must secure their own financing.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
40
Franchised Units
40
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
150
Franchising Since
2002
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
City Publications has no litigation history to report.
Bankruptcy History
City Publications has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew with City Publications, franchisees must substantially comply with the Franchise Agreement, maintain a suitable location, make necessary capital expenditures to align with current system modifications, and satisfy all financial obligations to City Publications or its affiliates. Franchisees must not be in default, provide timely notice of their intent to renew, and pay a renewal fee of $1,000. They will also need to meet current qualifications, fulfill any training requirements, and sign a general release and the then-current Franchise Agreement, which may have different terms and conditions.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
City Publications provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, City Publications designates an exclusive territory, provides a 'Quick Start Program' with information and materials, designs and creates a website for the franchised business, conducts an initial training program, and loans a virtual copy of the operating manual. Ongoing assistance includes virtual guidance, lead generation and appointment setting coaching, and availability by phone or email for advice during normal business hours. City Publications also reviews and advises on printing schedules, may conduct periodic in-person or virtual visits for consultation, provides updates to the operating manual, offers ongoing training for the first year, and periodically supplies advertising and promotional materials. Additionally, City Publications makes system changes available and offers optional email marketing and participation in a single card mailing program (VeriCast Program).
Initial Training Hours
42
Training Location
Online/virtual
Ongoing Support
City Publications offers ongoing support to franchisees through virtual assistance and guidance, lead generation and appointment setting coaching, and availability via telephone or email for advice during normal business hours. City Publications also reviews and provides advice on printing schedules and may conduct periodic in-person or virtual visits for consultation. Franchisees receive amendments to the operating manual and ongoing training for the first year (for a fee), followed by refresher virtual training seminars after the first year. City Publications also periodically provides advertising and promotional materials and updates to the System.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
The FDD does not provide a comprehensive ideal candidate profile beyond the owner's participation requirements. City Publications seeks franchisees whose majority owners are willing to personally participate in the direct operation of the franchised business for at least the first 24 months. For transfers, the new franchisee must commit to devoting full-time efforts (at least 40 hours per week) to the business and have no other conflicting business activities.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
City Publications defines its exclusive franchise territories by specific zip codes. Each territory is designed to include a population of approximately 100,000 homes of an appropriate market value, based on the most recent U.S. Census data available.
Staffing Notes
City Publications requires franchisees to hire all necessary employees or independent contractors and maintain a competent, conscientious staff who present a neat, clean, and professional appearance, adhering to uniform attire, health, safety, and hygiene standards specified by City Publications. Franchisees are solely responsible for employee compensation, training, and complying with all labor laws. The business must always be under the direct supervision of the franchisee or a Designated Manager who has completed the training program. City Publications also requires the use of criminal background check services for employees and mandates that majority owners personally participate in the direct operation of the business for the first 24 months.