Discovery Map Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

119
+
3%
3%
Investment required

?

$29,000 - $36,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$52,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$25,000
Royalty fees

?

10.00%
+
1.00%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

119
+
3%
3%
Investment required

?

$29,000 - $36,000
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Royalty fees

?

10.00%
+
1.00%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$52,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Discovery Map: Bringing Local Flavor to Travel Experiences Since 1977

Discovery Map® offers travelers a creative and informative way to explore top destinations throughout North America and Puerto Rico. Established in 1977, this brand has spent nearly 50 years helping tourists discover the best places to dine, shop, stay, and play.

Based in Waitsfield, Vermont, the company specializes in producing artistically hand-drawn maps that are as beautiful as they are practical. These distinctive guides provide a charming yet useful overview of each featured location.

Franchising began in 1993, opening the door for local entrepreneurs to introduce these maps to their own communities. Every map is crafted by residents who know their area inside and out—ensuring authentic recommendations and hidden gems only a local could suggest.

What sets Discovery Map® apart is this grassroots, hyper-local approach. By tapping into the deep knowledge of its franchisees, the brand delivers genuinely curated travel guidance that stands out from mass-produced alternatives.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Map Coloring $1,050 to $1,750
Travel and Living Expenses while Training $500 to $1,500
Map Racks and related equipment $1,500 to $3,250
Computer System $500 to $1,200
Licenses/Deposits $0 to $250
Supplies & Misc. Expense $250 to $1,000
Insurance $250 to $500
Additional Funds $0 to $1,850
TOTAL $29,050 to $36,300

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

119

+
3%
3%
No growth
New

$25,000

$29,000

-

$36,000

n.a.

$52,000

Pro

n.a.

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Business Services

Training

Discovery Map International provides a comprehensive training program to its franchisees that includes both initial and ongoing education. Here are the types of training offered:

  1. Initial Training Program: Franchisees and key management personnel must attend a training program that covers the Discovery Map System. This program is conducted at the headquarters in Waitsfield, Vermont, lasting up to four days. Training must be completed at least seven days before opening the business. While the training itself is free for up to two individuals, franchisees are responsible for travel and accommodation costs. Additional participants are charged $500 per person, per day.
  2. Map Development Support: Up to five days of support are provided for developing a mock-up of the franchisee's map, along with the initial design of a 17” x 22” map.
  3. Pre-Opening Assistance: General assistance and planning help for pre-opening promotions are provided, subject to a 30-day advance notice from the franchisee.
  4. Refresher and Retraining Programs: Discovery Map may require franchisees to attend periodic retraining or refresher courses to maintain system standards.
  5. Electronic Training Programs: Franchisees must complete a minimum of two hours of electronic training annually. These are provided at no cost, but attendance is mandatory.
  6. Annual System Presentation: Franchisees are required to attend the annual state-of-the-system presentation if it is offered electronically.
  7. Optional Advanced Training: Optional programs, workshops, and seminars may be offered at $500 per person, per day, with all related travel and accommodation costs covered by the franchisee.
  8. Training for Successors: In the event of the franchisee’s death or disability, successors have 90 days to complete training to continue the franchise.

Territory Protection

Discovery Map International grants franchisees an exclusive Area, typically covering at least 400 businesses. Within this Area, no other Discovery Map franchise will be licensed, offering protection from direct franchise competition.

However, this exclusivity depends on meeting sales and market goals. The franchisor may still sell products or services within the Area through other channels under different trademarks.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

116

115

119

Company-owned units

3

3

0

Total units

119

118

119

Competitors

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Investment required
$92,000
-
$216,000
Franchisees
7
+
0%
0%

Sotheby's International Realty

Investment required
$128,000
-
$512,000
Franchisees
666
+
0%
0%

Signal Security

Investment required
$127,000
-
$5,093,000
Franchisees
1059
+
24%
24%

Shrunk 3D

Investment required
$187,000
-
$267,000
Franchisees
22
+
2100%
2100%

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