What is an RP Business under the Belocal franchise?
Belocal Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Under a separate disclosure document, we offer franchises for businesses that sell print advertising to businesses that wish to advertise in one or more magazines, newsletters, and/or directories for companies, individuals, and/or organizations interested in or connected to the real estate industry ("RP Publications"); sell digital advertising services; solicit and compile content for the publications; and organize events for real estate professionals using our business system and the publication name REAL PRODUCERS® ("RP Business"). As of June 30, 2025, 152 RP Publications franchises were in operation.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–12)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, an RP Business is a franchise that focuses on the real estate industry. Specifically, it involves selling print advertising in magazines, newsletters, and directories tailored for companies, individuals, or organizations connected to real estate. These franchises also offer digital advertising services, compile content for their publications, and organize events for real estate professionals, all while operating under Belocal's business system and using the REAL PRODUCERS® publication name. As of June 30, 2025, there were 152 RP Publications franchises in operation.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that an RP Business offers a specialized niche within the broader Belocal franchise system, targeting the real estate market. This specialization could provide a focused approach to sales and marketing efforts, as well as opportunities to build relationships within the real estate community. However, it also means that the franchisee's success is closely tied to the health and activity of the real estate industry in their area.
It's important to note that Belocal offers RP Businesses under a separate disclosure document, indicating that the terms and conditions of operating an RP Business may differ from those of a standard Belocal franchise. Prospective franchisees should carefully review the specific disclosure document for RP Businesses to understand the unique aspects of this franchise offering. Additionally, the FDD mentions that The N2 Company had two people operating RP Publications under arrangements different from the standard franchise agreement in Washington as of June 30, 2025. This highlights the importance of understanding all possible operational models and their implications before investing.