There’s a brand new business opportunity with The Picture Factory, a Melbourne picture framer that is upscaling its family-run operation to a franchise. 

And with Victorians regarded as the most sports-loving Australians, with hundreds of clubs across the state, there’s plenty of opportunity to tap into: the significant memorabilia and collectibles market has helped forge the business. The Picture Factory has framed countless footy jerseys for sports enthusiasts and clubs alike.

“Sporting clubs can bring in a fair bit of work, they want to do things for club rooms, for sponsors,” said franchisor Jeremy Singh. “Our returning customer base is really big.”

The Heidelburg-based retailer/manufacturer/wholesaler has been trading for more than 30 years, with the Singh family heading up the local operation for nearly three decades.

Jeremy Singh told Inside Franchise Business “We’ve been here a long time. Mum worked here in the 1980s and my parents bought the business in 1991.”

It’s a typical small business that has reached beyond its local limits, currently serving clients across Victoria. Now the time has come to open up the opportunity to franchisees who can work directly in their local areas.

“Franchising is about expanding into places where we can’t put a store ourselves,” said Singh.

Franchisee support provided

The Picture Factory frames memorabilia, medals, certificates, technical documents, prints, posters. It also provides block mounting, laminating and customised mirror framing. Standard frames are held in stock, while custom framing is available for special projects. The good news is that franchisees don’t need experience in picture framing. Head office will wholesale and manufacture for franchisees who will be the face of the brand in their own retail outlet. 

Franchisees will need passion, professionalism and great customer service. They will learn about retailing and the framing options for customers, without needing to be hands-on producing the final product.

“Franchisees will initially train for a couple of weeks in store, working with us, and when they open their store, I will be there on hand for a couple of weeks,” said Singh.

Already full to capacity with current clients, Singh plans to expand the framing staff to cope with demand as the franchise grows.

It’s an ideal business for a family with strong community ties, explained Nick James of Franchise Central which is helping recruit franchisees.

“Suburban and strip locations that service local areas are ideal, along with sites in country Victoria,” said James.

The franchisor will help find locations and check out local competitors, he added.

“It’s a very clean and simple retail outlet that franchisees can invest in for under $100,000.”