Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$46,795 - $209,465
Franchise Fee
$2,000
Total US Locations
54
Business Summary
The Great Frame Up franchisees operate retail stores that specialize in selling frames, offering custom framing services, and providing related wall decor products. These stores are typically situated in strip centers and serve the general public seeking framing solutions for art and other items.
Corporate History
The Great Frame Up franchise system is operated as a division of Franchise Concepts, Inc. (FCI), a Delaware corporation incorporated in February 1998. The company began selling franchises for The Great Frame Up retail stores in January 2007. In December 2021, Conceptual Franchises, LLC acquired FCI's parent company, FCI Holding Company, Inc., which then merged into CFran Holdings, LLC. FCI also offers franchises for Deck The Walls and Framing & Art Centre through its subsidiary.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$46,795 - $209,465
Franchise Fee (Low)
$2,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$30,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$35,872
Equipment Costs (High)
$91,992
Working Capital
$12,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The Great Frame Up received an unqualified audit opinion for its financial statements. However, the company reported a net loss of $53,554 in 2024, a significant decrease from net incomes of $164,243 in 2023 and $184,045 in 2022. The financial statements also note a significant allowance for credit losses, totaling $518,076 in 2024, due to delinquent royalty payments from certain franchisees. The company is actively pursuing these collections. Additionally, the accumulated surplus in the marketing funds decreased from $510,660 in 2022 to $275,485 in 2024.
Financing Details
The Great Frame Up does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. This means franchisees will need to secure their own funding for the business and the company does not guarantee any loans or leases.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
54
Franchised Units
54
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,400
Franchising Since
2007
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
The Great Frame Up has no litigation history to report. Item 3 of the FDD states that no litigation information is required to be disclosed by the company.
Bankruptcy History
The Great Frame Up has no bankruptcy history to report. Item 4 of the FDD states that no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed by the company or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, The Great Frame Up franchisees must provide written notice of their request between nine and twelve months before the current term ends. They must be in good standing, not be in default with the company or their landlord, and have satisfied all financial obligations. Franchisees are required to sign the company's then-current franchise agreement, which may include different terms for royalties, advertising contributions, and territorial protection. They must also complete any required education or training programs, remodel the premises to meet current store appearance standards, and sign a general release of claims against the company.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
The Great Frame Up provides various forms of assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, the company helps by reviewing the proposed location and territory, supplying specifications for store construction and equipment, lending a Policy & Procedures Manual, and conducting a 10-day initial management training program in St. Peters, Missouri for two individuals. After opening, the company conducts periodic inspections of the business and evaluates products and services. The Great Frame Up also administers a Marketing Fund, directing advertising programs and providing creative advertising materials, and approving franchisee-developed advertising. Franchisees are required to participate in company-initiated sales and marketing programs. For computer systems, The Great Frame Up requires franchisees to purchase specific point-of-sale systems, an art catalog computer, and a laptop, and maintains access to data from these systems.
Initial Training Hours
78
Training Location
St. Peters, Missouri
Ongoing Support
After opening, The Great Frame Up provides ongoing support through periodic inspections and evaluations of products and services, and it provides company standards upon request. The company administers a Marketing Fund, directing advertising programs and providing creative materials for local advertising, and may initiate various sales and marketing programs that franchisees are obligated to participate in. Franchisees are required to maintain their point-of-sale systems and may be required to upgrade them, with annual maintenance fees for certain software paid directly by the franchisee. While on-site training can be requested and may be provided at the company's option, franchisees are required to attend annual conventions, regional meetings, or training sessions as determined by The Great Frame Up.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
supervisory
Territory Type
non-exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
The Great Frame Up franchisees receive a territory defined as a 3-mile radius around their specific store location. For franchisees who sign a Market Unit Addendum (MUA), territories for additional showroom stores are initially reserved and defined by street intersections. Once a location is identified and a franchise agreement signed for that spot, the territory then becomes a 3-mile radius around that specific store.
Staffing Notes
The Great Frame Up requires that the franchised business be supervised directly on-premises by a manager who has successfully completed the company's training program. This manager does not need to have an ownership interest but must sign a confidentiality agreement. The initial training program is provided for the franchisee and one other person, who typically serves as the principal operator or manager of the store.