Promotional items giant Instant Imprints, the first in the industry to successfully cater to both B2B and retail sectors, will hold its first annual franchise convention on April 1^st in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will bring together franchise owners, vendors, suppliers, and industry experts under one roof for an information-packed networking fest designed to expand franchise opportunities.

Since opening their first retail franchise store in San Diego in 2002, Instant Imprints has enjoyed phenomenal growth. Their "one-stop shop" concept appeals to franchisees and clients alike. "We're opening a store a week," says company president Leo Kats. With 80 territories already franchised in 18 states, including Alaska, Instant Imprints currently has 40 franchise territories open within the United States.

The Vegas convention promises to bring together an eclectic group of entrepreneurs from many different backgrounds. "I'm always amazed by who's interested in our franchises," Kats says. "We have former nurses, teachers, corporate VPs, you name it, who've started a franchise store with us."

Part of Instant Imprints' appeal is its "5-in-1" business model. Every store offers five unique services: screen printing, embroidery, banners and signs, promotional items, and heat transfers. This selection attracts big-name clients, like Motorola, Qualcomm, and Bank of America, as well as small businesses, schools, sports teams, churches, and individual consumers who want mugs, T-shirts, and other items personalized.

Franchisees are drawn to the company's turnkey franchise package, which includes retail store location assistance and a complete set of equipment, from a screen-printing press to full embroidery machines. Also included in the start-up package are supplies for running every aspect of the business, office furniture, an initial inventory, and even samples of completed promotional products for display purposes. The company expects from its franchisees an initial investment of $40,000 and offers financing assistance for the remaining $110,000 - $150,000 needed to open a store.

Training is extensive and ongoing, beginning with two weeks of hands-on learning at San Diego-based company headquarters. New franchisees learn to operate every machine and receive training in sales, marketing, and business operations. After a store opens, the owner receives an additional week of onsite store training. Ongoing questions and issues are addressed through a companywide Intranet system and an 800-number.

Instant Imprints was founded in San Diego in 1992 by Lev Kats, Leo's father and current CEO, who by then had acquired more than three decades of expertise and experience in custom screen printing techniques. Two years later the company relocated from its shop in a light industrial zone to a convenient retail location complete with high-end showroom.

Within months the business experienced tremendous growth, and father and son realized they could reproduce their unique concept in a franchise framework. After spending seven years developing and refining a franchise program, including accompanying software, marketing strategies, and training materials, Instant Imprints opened their first franchise in 2002. 

Staffwriter: Graciella Sholander

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