The Great Frame Up Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
The Great Frame Up offers custom framing services, specializing in preserving and showcasing artwork, photos, and memorabilia for lasting memories.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
55
+
-8%
-8%
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$47,000 - $209,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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The Great Frame Up was founded in 1971 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood and began franchising in 1975. Today, it is headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri, and operates as part of Franchise Concepts Inc., which also owns Deck The Walls and Framing & Art Centre.
The franchise specializes in custom framing services, offering a wide array of frames, mats, glass options, and art prints. Customers can also choose from in-stock frames, framed and unframed art, and an extensive catalog of posters and prints.
A unique feature of the stores is the vertical viewing board, which allows customers to preview their artwork with various mat and frame combinations.
The Great Frame Up stands out by focusing on customer satisfaction and personalized service. Each location provides a warm, gallery-like setting where experienced staff help guide customers through the design process.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a The Great Frame Up franchise is
$47,000 - $209,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
$30,000 / $2,000
Travel and living expenses while attending initial training
$1,000 - $2,700 / $0
Opening Inventory
$5,106 - $8,873 / $5,106 - $8,348
Equipment
$13,084 - $29,492 / $8,489 - $19,437
Fixtures
$10,000 - $27,500 / $10,000 - $16,704
Architect Fee
$0 - $10,000 / $0 - $10,000
Leasehold Improvements
$12,788 - $35,000 / $6,000 - $21,070
Freight and Storage
$3,633 - $8,000 / $1,000 - $5,000
In-Store and Store Front Signage
$3,071 - $6,000 / $2,000 - $4,520
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$1,300 - $2,000 / $1,000 - $2,000
Insurance
$1,200 - $2,400 / $1,200 - $2,400
Grand Opening Advertising
$22,500 / $10,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$10,000 - $25,000 / $0 - $15,000
Total
$113,682 - $209,465 / $46,795 - $116,479
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$30,000 / $2,000
Travel and living expenses while attending initial training
$1,000 - $2,700 / $0
Opening Inventory
$5,106 - $8,873 / $5,106 - $8,348
Equipment
$13,084 - $29,492 / $8,489 - $19,437
Fixtures
$10,000 - $27,500 / $10,000 - $16,704
Architect Fee
$0 - $10,000 / $0 - $10,000
Leasehold Improvements
$12,788 - $35,000 / $6,000 - $21,070
Freight and Storage
$3,633 - $8,000 / $1,000 - $5,000
In-Store and Store Front Signage
$3,071 - $6,000 / $2,000 - $4,520
Miscellaneous Opening Costs
$1,300 - $2,000 / $1,000 - $2,000
Insurance
$1,200 - $2,400 / $1,200 - $2,400
Grand Opening Advertising
$22,500 / $10,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months
$10,000 - $25,000 / $0 - $15,000
Total
$113,682 - $209,465 / $46,795 - $116,479
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is The Great Frame Up's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
The Great Frame Up had 55 total units in 2024, of which 55 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a The Great Frame Up franchise is 6.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 2.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a The Great Frame Up franchise is $47,000 - $209,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a The Great Frame Up franchise is $30,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
The Great Frame Up franchise offers a comprehensive training structure designed to equip franchisees and their teams for business success.
Initial Management Training Program: The company provides an initial management training program for two individuals (typically the owner and a principal operator), held at a designated location before the store opens. This training includes instruction and materials covered by the franchisor, although all other expenses such as accommodations, travel, and wages are borne by the franchisee.
Sales & Management Training Program: This additional program may be made mandatory at the franchisor’s discretion and focuses on enhancing operational and leadership skills relevant to running the franchise.
Policy & Procedures Manual: Franchisees receive one copy of this manual, which outlines operations, standards, and best practices. This serves as an ongoing resource and is periodically updated by the franchisor.
Territory Protection
The Great Frame Up franchise does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. While franchisees are granted a defined territory—typically a three-mile radius around their store—this area is not exclusive.
Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels operated by the franchisor. The franchisor reserves the right to sell through alternative methods or brands that it controls, even within or near the defined territory.
Additionally, relocating a store within the same territory or to a different location requires prior approval from the franchisor. Therefore, while a defined operational area is given, it does not provide protection from encroachment or internal competition.