Proforma Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Proforma provides marketing and branding solutions, offering a wide range of promotional products, printing services, and digital marketing support.

Founded in 1978 by Gregory P. Muzzillo in Cleveland, Ohio, Proforma began with just a $200 investment and quickly expanded into a leading provider of printing and promotional products.

By 1986, the company started franchising, allowing entrepreneurs to offer comprehensive marketing services under the Proforma brand. Today, Proforma operates over 650 franchise offices worldwide and generates more than $500 million in annual sales.

Proforma is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers a broad range of services, including printing solutions, branded merchandise, custom packaging, uniforms and apparel, eCommerce platforms, digital marketing, and creative design. Its services are tailored to a wide array of industries such as healthcare, education, finance, hospitality, and technology.

What sets Proforma apart is its “One Source with Infinite Resources” model.

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: Relevant Industry Experience Conversion Franchise $0
Computer Hardware $0 - $4,000
Internet Service Provider And Anti-Virus Software $30 - $200
Equipment, Fixtures, Fixed Assets and Stationery $700 - $3,000
First Month Pre-Opening Lease, Rent & Security Deposit $0 - $2,000
Utility Deposits, Insurance, Licenses, Business Entity Registration $300 - $4,000
Travel, room and board for Initial Training $0 - $2,000
Supplemental Training Fee $0 - $495
Additional Funds Incurred during the initial phase, which usually lasts 3-6 months $6,000 - $12,000
Total: Relevant Industry Experience Conversion Franchise $7,030 - $27,695
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee: Relevant Industry Experience Conversion Franchise $0
Computer Hardware $0 - $4,000
Internet Service Provider And Anti-Virus Software $30 - $200
Equipment, Fixtures, Fixed Assets and Stationery $700 - $3,000
First Month Pre-Opening Lease, Rent & Security Deposit $0 - $2,000
Utility Deposits, Insurance, Licenses, Business Entity Registration $300 - $4,000
Travel, room and board for Initial Training $0 - $2,000
Supplemental Training Fee $0 - $495
Additional Funds Incurred during the initial phase, which usually lasts 3-6 months $6,000 - $12,000
Total: Relevant Industry Experience Conversion Franchise $7,030 - $27,695

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Proforma

key competitors in the

Marketing

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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542

New
+
-10%
-10%

n.a.

$7,000

$28,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training

Proforma delivers a comprehensive and flexible training program tailored to franchisee needs to ensure proper business operation. Here are the key training components:

  1. Initial Instruction: Proforma mandates a three-day initial training session for new franchisees covering the basics of operating the business, including use of proprietary software. This training can occur on-site, remotely, or at company facilities in Cleveland, Ohio or Tampa, Florida.
  2. Onboarding Programs: Training varies based on the franchisee’s sales history:
    • “White Glove” (for over $2M in sales): 10 days of training at the franchisee’s location or remotely with 2-3 team members.
    • “Concierge” (for $500K–$2M in sales): 2-5 days at the franchisee’s location or remotely.
    • Additional tailored training is provided for those under $500K.
  3. Sales and Business Management Topics: The training curriculum includes sessions on prospecting, proposal writing, closing techniques, recordkeeping, and using business management software.

Territory Protection

Proforma does not offer territory protection to its franchisees. Franchise owners do not receive an exclusive territory, specific location, radius, population size, or account exclusivity. They may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or alternative distribution channels controlled by Proforma.

The Proforma franchise is a non-exclusive license, meaning multiple franchise owners can operate and solicit business within the same geographic area. Franchisees are also not granted rights of first refusal or the ability to acquire additional franchises automatically.

Furthermore, Proforma reserves the right to reassign or limit marketing efforts, and large volume accounts in a given area may be serviced by others, including Proforma itself.

Competitors

Money Mailer

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Franchisees

?

33
+
-31%
-31%
Investment

?

$65,000 - $79,000

Stroll

Stroll is a neighborhood magazine franchise that connects local businesses with affluent communities through customized, high-quality publications.

Franchisees

?

546
+
6%
6%
Investment

?

$2,000 - $13,000

Proforma

Proforma provides marketing and branding solutions, offering a wide range of promotional products, printing services, and digital marketing support.

Franchisees

?

542
+
-10%
-10%
Investment

?

$7,000 - $28,000

Coffee News

Coffee News is a weekly publication distributed in local restaurants and coffee shops, offering lighthearted news, trivia, and advertisements, providing an engaging read for diners.

Franchisees

?

191
+
-35%
-35%
Investment

?

$11,000 - $12,000

WSI

WSI offers digital marketing solutions, helping businesses optimize their online presence through SEO, social media, and digital advertising strategies.

Franchisees

?

148
+
-17%
-17%
Investment

?

$77,000 - $107,000

The Scout Guide

The Scout Guide is a local business guide franchise, showcasing and promoting curated local businesses and services in beautifully designed publications.

Franchisees

?

94
+
29%
29%
Investment

?

$130,000 - $288,000