If you are looking for information on the American Wholesale Thermographers franchise business opportunity, AWT franchises or American Wholesale Thermographers franchising, then you have come to the right place.
American Wholesale Thermographers (AWT) has been providing printing retailers with high quality raised-letter printing for more than two decades. The knowledgeable staff at AWT use state-of-the-art equipment to produce the finest themographed business cards, stationery, announcements, and other business products for the printing trade.
We conduct business on the wholesale level dealing primarily with printing companies, office supply stores, copy shops, print brokers, and other retail organizations where the public orders business products.
Today's dynamic information and service-oriented economy is creating new opportunities in the printing industry. The thermography business continues to grow, yet the majority of printers cannot justify the equipment needed to produce quality thermography efficiently.
AWT is part of the International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (ICED) family of franchises. With nearly 800 locations around the world, the ICED umbrella is far reaching. Other franchises include: Kwik Kopy Printing, which began in 1967; Kwik Kopy Business Centers; Copy Club; The Ink Well; Franklin's Printing; Parcel Plus, and Women's Health Boutique.
As the franchisor, we believe in providing outstanding support to our centers. OUr main focus is to help center owners grow their businesses.
As you learn more about AWT, you'll discover superb resources, including a staff of more that 125 at our Northwest Forest headquarters new Houston, Texas. Here, we conduct an extensive training course, where you'll learn all the essentials for operating your AWT franchise.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
