City Publications is a direct-mail and digital marketing franchise founded in 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, it operates under its parent company ACP Brands. The company began franchising in 2004 and, as of 2024, has grown to approximately 50 franchise locations across North America.

The franchise offers affordable, home-based, B2B lead generation services. It primarily sells glossy, full-color direct-mail postcards targeting affluent homeowners, bundled with email, SMS, web lead generation, and SEO solutions.

City Publications differentiates through affluent homeowner targeting and a data-driven, glossy direct-mail format. Its proprietary mailing lists and production-grade glossy card packs are designed for high response rates and branding impact.

Training

City Publications provides a structured and mandatory training program to prepare franchisees for successful operation. The training includes both virtual and on-site sessions, covering essential administrative, operational, and sales topics.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees and their designated managers must complete approximately 40 hours of initial training, delivered through 2–3 days of virtual classroom instruction and 2–3 days of on-the-job training. This program covers the core aspects of running the franchised business and must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction before opening.
2. Sales Employee Training
   Any new sales employees must undergo 8 hours of virtual training and be certified by the franchisor before conducting sales activities. This ensures that all sales efforts align with corporate standards.
3. New Designated Manager Training
   If a new Designated Manager is appointed after operations begin, they must complete the initial training within 60 days. The franchisee bears the cost of this training, including travel and accommodation.

Territory Protection

City Publications grants franchisees an Exclusive Territory defined by geographic boundaries, typically comprising about 100,000 homes determined using U.S. Census data. Within this territory, City Publications agrees not to establish or license another franchise location, as long as the franchisee remains in good standing.

This territory is detailed in Exhibit A of the Franchise Agreement and is intended to limit internal competition among franchisees. However, the franchisor retains the right to operate other systems or use different proprietary marks both within and outside the Exclusive Territory, as long as these do not follow the same loose card deck format.

City Publications can also engage in alternative distribution channels such as internet sales or retail outlets. Franchisees are not automatically entitled to additional or adjoining territories but may purchase them with approval.