Our Mission Is Your Success

Hello and welcome to PIP!

It is such an honor to preside over one of the leading franchise companies that essentially paved the way to create the quick printing industry and become one of the fastest growing industries during the 1970s. When Bill LeVine opened the first Postal Instant Press in 1965, or PIP as we know it today, he built it into one of the leading commercial printing plants in Southern California.

When we acquired the brand in 1996, we evolved the service offerings and positioned PIP as a technological leader in printing as well as signs and marketing services. We recently commemorated PIP’s 50-year anniversary where PIP franchisees from around the country celebrated at the company’s Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

My father had the sincere privilege of knowing Bill LeVine as a friendly competitor in the quick print space and honors the legacy of carrying on the PIP brand. Today, there are several locations that have been operating since the 1970s, only this time, many are run by sons and daughters. Younger generations are reengaging in the business now that the industry and marketplace needs have evolved resulting in the PIP brand now offering signs, marketing services, promotional products, websites and online storefronts as well as graphic design, digital printing and mailing services.

Our vision for success has always been rooted in one essential beliefsupport our network. As a result, PIP offers a clearly defined business model that allows our franchise owners to follow a proven system while operating independently. Our management team is the best in the industry with numerous years of experience teaching, training, coaching and supporting business owners.

We would be honored to talk to you about the possibility of becoming one of our franchise owners. We always have room in our family for more and here is where you can realize your dream of independent business ownership.

Kind regards,

Richard Lowe
President

History

From the very first Postal Instant Press to the many PIPs that cross the nation today, our mission has always been to make the lives of our customers better. As a result, our printing and marketing services continue to evolve and expand.  We’ve introduced new technologies, invested in state-of-the-art equipment and true to our reputation, boldly explored emerging trends. We’re honored to serve our customers with the expertise, quality craftsmanship and customer service that have been a PIP hallmark for more than four decades.

1960s

1963 – Postal Press Commercial Printing Plant is founded by Bill LeVine in Southern California

1964 – Postal Press is converted into a “while you wait” print center

1965 – FIRST Postal Instant Press (PIP) opens

1968 – FIRST three PIPs heralds the first franchise organization in the printing industry

1970s – 80s

PIP’s business model opens the door to others in the business, leading to one of the fastest growing industries in the United States

1990s

1994 – International Franchise Association (IFA) created the Bonnie LeVine Award in memory of PIP co-founder, Bonnie LeVine for her outstanding accomplishments in franchising and status as a role model for women in the industry

1996 – PIP is acquired by Sir Speedy, another leader in the quick print industry. Franchise Services, Inc. was formed – the current parent company of PIP and several other printing industry brands

2000s

Introduces marketing services to its spectrum of capabilities, providing customers one-stop shop for printing and marketing needs. Leverages Internet to provide customers with Web-to-Print capabilities, online document management and one-to-one personalized communications

PIP continues to help customers grow their businesses with expanded marketing services designed to help them meet their business objectives such as lead generation, customer retention, brand management and more. Working with customers to help them grow their business is the cornerstone of the PIP brand.

To visit our national website, please click here.

Locations

To visit any of our PIP locations, click here.

Why PIP

Franchise Support

Every business relies on a core set of operational procedures upon which to run. As a franchise owner, you not only have complete access to business tools, you have the added benefit of leadership, guidance and expertise provided by Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI), an organization that has successfully managed award-winning franchise networks for more than 50 years. The advantages of franchise support cannot be overstated, especially in these rapidly changing times. We provide our franchise owners with unrivaled support throughout the franchise experience.

Every franchisee is assigned a dedicated Business Management Consultant who advises on everything from budget and cash flow projections, preparing business and marketing plans, collections, financial and employee management, to technology and equipment analysis, production management and more. These individuals truly know our business and can be a valuable resource in the day-to-day operations of a PIP franchisee.

In addition, our Business Development Consultants focus on sales and management training through online training sessions, regional clinics, an annual Sales Forum meeting and one-on-one sales coaching. Add to that our entire corporate management team including marketing and a dedicated customer support team who are all available throughout the week to get your questions answered.

Having insights and real-time information can make the difference between a smart or disappointing business decision. Knowing you have an exceptional foundation to rely on enables you to pursue your business goals with confidence.

Sales and Marketing

Your sales and marketing communications open doors and compel your customers to act. PIP delivers the strategic programs and tactical tools that make the job of marketing simple and effective. From the national to the local level, your business is supported by a variety of resources that can help you acquire customers and keep them coming back for more. Both offline and online marketing tools combined with our fine-tuned salesperson program provide the backbone for a comprehensive approach to getting and keeping customers.

The PIP corporate marketing team is only a click or phone call away. In partnership with our wholly owned advertising agency, our marketing department brings our franchise owners the highest level of experience and professionalism. Their dedication and diligence in harnessing the latest technologies and marketing trends keep our franchise owners at the forefront of trending business.

Training & Technology

One of the biggest advantages a PIP franchisee enjoys is the benefit of ongoing relevant training. In fact, at Franchise Services (FSI) we consider ourselves a training company as much as a franchise management company. We know that running your own business is a full-time job and finding time to keep abreast of the latest in technology and business trends can sometimes get overlooked. That’s where we come in.

From the very beginning at our University training to on-site visits, online webinars and annual (Convention and Sales Forum) and regional (Roundtables and Clinics) events you’ll get countless opportunities to hone your business skills. Looking to learn from your peers? Join one of our organized board groups sponsored by a corporate representative where you can share ideas, marketing successes and simply share the camaraderie of those who stand in your shoes.

The core component for all businesses is Operations. Having the right equipment, technology and production practices is vital in delivering quality products and services. PIP ensures that its franchise owners have access to the education, training and expert guidance needed to build a healthy operational structure. From attending our franchise university to technical support and everything in between, we provide a system geared to delivering optimal business performance.

We stay on the razor-edge of technology and keep our eye on the future so we can advise our franchisees on every aspect of their operation such as the latest in technical and production offerings. We attend all the industry tradeshows and develop preferred strategic partnerships that provide enormous benefits to our franchisees such as national account pricing.

Consistent Year-Over-Year Performance

Success is dependent on many things―financial management, sales and marketing, equipment, production and training. We leave nothing to chance, providing operating systems that include all of the above. Maybe that’s why you’ll find PIP in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 List and why we consistently rank as a Top Franchise System by Franchise Business Review. Every so often the economy can throw a curve ball. It’s in times like these that franchise owners truly realize the value of their PIP network. We’re always advancing forward with new programs and innovations to keep our network healthy.

Credibility

Our proven franchise system has been helping entrepreneurs reach their dreams for more than 50 years. PIP delivers products and services that businesses large and small use every day. Our network runs like clockwork for a reason. We have operating systems in place that have been modified and refined over five decades to serve the times in which we live. As a result, our franchise owners benefit from generations of real-world experience.

Relationships

At FSI we believe relationships are the heart of our business, but our relationships go far beyond business.  Our ongoing support system keeps us shoulder-to-shoulder with our franchisees, moving our relationship from a partnership to a friendship. Peer-to-peer franchisee friendships are built through our annual meetings, events, training sessions and other ways we keep our franchisees networked together for learning, sharing and growing their businesses.

Business Profile

What makes a successful franchise? The answer lies in the willingness of a franchise owner to apply the tools and strategies made available to him or her by the franchisor. Here is an overview of the characteristics applicable to successful franchises:

  • They prepare an annual business, sales and marketing plan.
  • They assure that their product and service mix aligns with the demands of their local market.
  • They stay current on technology trends that are pertinent to their business and their customers.
  • They keep a close eye on financials and make adjustments throughout the year when cash ebbs and flows.
  • They hire and continually train quality employees and themselves.
  • They consistently market to prospects and customers through various targeted methods including: direct mail, email, local Internet marketing, telemarketing, social media, website content, etc.
  • They have an outside sales person(s) who works hand in glove with the marketing efforts to assure leads are being handled. That salesperson could be the franchise owner.
  • They attend events sponsored by the franchisor to further their knowledge.

The advantage of being one of our franchisees is that we provide you with the road map, tools, and support to successfully match this profile.

FAQ

What are the primary responsibilities of a Franchisee?

PIP business owner(s) focus on building and managing day-to-day operations. They are responsible for developing and acquiring clients and maintaining customer relationships, which is aided by sales and marketing collateral as well as sales assistance from our Business Development Consultants. They hire and manage employees who will assist in sales, marketing and operations and manage all financial, purchasing and other operational aspects of the business.

What will it cost to open a PIP?

The start-up costs to open a PIP business break down as follows:

Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000*

Initial Equipment Package: $70,527

Training and Opening Expenses: $30,000

Additional Funds**: $125,000 to $150,000

*VetFran Discount $3,750

** Additional Funds reflect an estimate of the working capital you will need on hand during the initial phase of business operations including, but not limited to: initial employee wages, utility deposits, insurance, advertising, legal and accounting fees, permit costs, dues (i.e., Chamber of Commerce), apparel, recruitment, miscellaneous training expenses, high-speed Internet connection set-up, initial inventory of computer supplies, as well as additional operating capital for other variable costs (i.e., rent, electricity, telephone and heat), cleaning and other supplies.

What type of franchise candidate is PIP looking for?

If you have the entrepreneurial spirit, enjoy interacting with customers and wish to work with a proven business system, then PIP may be an excellent business opportunity for you. Our franchise owners come from all types of backgrounds and geographic locations with one goal―to establish and control their own destiny.

What type of training does PIP provide?

You receive two weeks of hands-on training at Print Management University in Mission Viejo, California. Focus is on our four operating systems with the opportunity to meet the support staff of Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI). In addition, franchises owners and salespeople can attend several national events like our annual Sales Forum and convention or regional one-day sales training and sales management sessions.

What type of assistance is provided after opening a PIP business?

The corporate team at Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI) and PIP are committed to our franchise owners’ success. Not only do we have ongoing training through our webinars and recorded webinars and national and local events, you will always be able to rely on continued support from your Business Management Consultant, Business Development Consultant, marketing, technical and training staff. Each and every one is dedicated to helping the network succeed.

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