Greeting Card

 The Company

First Choice Cards is a privately owned company specialising in the design, manufacture and marketing of a wide range of greetings cards & gift wrap, at no cost to the retailers.

Now in its 13th year of trading, the Shareholders, Directors, staff and advisors have many years of experience in both the card industry and successfully establishing national retail Franchise chains. This experience, coupled with a thoroughly proven retailing method is crucial for your business success. As you investigate further you will see that First Choice offers the Franchisee an unequalled greeting card franchiseopportunity to enjoy the benefits of this growing market.

Marketing administration and distribution of the franchise network is controlled by the company’s Sussex based offices. Potential franchisees are encouraged to visit our office as the complete range of cards and related products are permanently displayed.

Our Product

First Choice currently has 4 different ranges of cards and Gift Wrap on offer. First Choice, Designer and Picture This card ranges and the gift wrap range. With over 500 designs available in a broad range of styles we can cater for a wide range of customers. All products are produced to the highest standards and come individually wrapped with colour matched envelopes to protect them from damage. The main First Choice range comes with colour print on both the outside and inside. All printed and hand bagged in the UK. All ranges are updated at regular intervals with a mixture of new designs and reprints of the best sellers.

Established Market

Everyone would agree that the card market is well established. However, few people are aware that
by 2008, it was worth a staggering £1.2billion. By enabling our franchisees to service a large
established market, there is far less likelihood of failure. First Choice are proud of their record of
successful franchising.

Since First Choice Cards was launched in 1994 it has seen fast growth to over 100 franchise areas in UK, Ireland, France, Spain & Portugal.

Consistent Income

The card market does not suffer any negative seasonal trends. Indeed there are several established seasonal events (Christmas, Valentines, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, etc.), which help to increase sales. The static nature of the card market ensures that the franchisee benefits from a consistent income level. This is vital to any new business and is a key factor in the development and expansion of a First Choice franchise.

Flexibility

Operating a First Choice franchise is made easier because of the extreme amount of flexibility enjoyed in this industry. Cards have no short-term “shelf life” and therefore, your sites need only be visited every four weeks. In addition, the time and exact frequency of your calls can vary without negatively affecting your sales. This is very much a business that can fit in with your personal, family, work, leisure and holiday commitments.

Training

Training is a very important part of the First Choice business system and each course is tailored to account for the business and life experience of the franchisee. Courses are never concluded until the trainee has agreed and demonstrated a sufficient understanding of the subject. As training is of a vocational nature (work related) much of what is taught is immediately used in the operation of the franchise. First Choice courses fall into two main categories and these are:

• “Field” training
• “On-going” training

Earnings potential

The First Choice franchise system ensures that the profit potential of each outlet is maximised, as overheads are kept to a minimum.
Once a site is established and has had time to mature (approximately three months) an average monthly sale of 60* cards and 20* packets of gift-wrap is anticipated. The following example shows the potential of the First Choice system. Please note that extra profits from the sale of other First Choice ranges and seasonal sales (Valentines etc.) have not been included and will add significantly to the figures shown.
 

Typically, most franchisees will look to start with a minimum of 50 outlets (which takes just 5 days a month to service) and then build up to 100 outlets as quickly as possible. All franchise territories are designed to hold a minimum of 200 outlets.

Franchise Package

The £14,999 inclusive 50 site package includes everything you need to get going and start earning from month one. Package includes:

• Franchise Licence Fee (£6512). Your licence to operate the First Choice Cards franchise in your chosen area.
  
• Exclusive franchise area. Normally with a 500,000 - 1,000,000 population and capable of holding 200+ sites.
  
• 50 sites opened and ready for installation are located by our experienced sales team. (Reduced fees if finding your own sites).
  
• All the display stands and point of sale material needed to open the initial 50 sites.
  
• All the cards and wrap merchandise to open the first 50 sites.
  
• Invoice book, business cards, stationary and new customer agreement pads.
  
• Initial training at your home and out in the field.
  
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The cost of buying a resale established/developed area will depend on how many sites are operating in the area and the value of the stock, stands and siting costs etc. A 100 site established franchise would normally sell for approx. £20,000.