One of the main reasons for becoming a franchise owner is the appeal of less operating risk and more security, predictability, and a greater chance at success than if you chose to become an independent business owner.

In 2007, the franchise industry as a whole, generated $675 billion in the US, according to Statista. Fast forward to 2019—US franchise output increased by 16%, generating $787.5 billion. According to WhatTheyThink’s Printing Outlook 2021, 45% of printing businesses with 1 to 19 employees said that revenues decreased 25% or more, with the franchise networks performing slightly better at an average of 23% year-over-year decline. In the 2021 Print Franchise Review, Cary Sherburne expects to see the franchise networks continuing to play a role in print industry consolidation as 2021 and 2022 play out, with a return to a much stronger position predicted by year end. This is largely due to the infrastructure franchisors provide to help their members rebound, a set of services not readily available to an independent printer.

Let’s dive into what makes franchises so advantageous, and why sign franchises in particular, are presenting opportunity in the wake of the pandemic.