What are 'Card Decks' and why are they important to a City Publications business?

According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Card Decks are the primary product of City Publications businesses. The FDD defines a "Card Deck" as packaged advertisements targeting affluent homeowners within a franchisee's exclusive territory. These advertisements are produced using high-quality artwork, designs, four-color printing, and card stock.

Card Decks are central to the City Publications business model because the company specializes in direct mail advertising. The success of a City Publications franchise hinges on the franchisee's ability to effectively sell, design, produce, and distribute these Card Decks within their designated territory. The franchisor provides support for Card Deck production and distribution as part of the royalty fee.

Furthermore, franchisees must adhere to specific performance requirements related to Card Deck distribution. For example, a franchisee must generate one 50,000 circulation card pack in the first mailing zone within the territory for the first nine months. Each consecutive year thereafter, the franchisee must generate at least four 50,000 circulation cards packs in each zone. Beginning in the fourth year, the franchisee must generate at least five 50,000 circulation cards packs in each zone. Failure to meet these minimum mailing requirements results in a penalty of $2,500 per zone for each mailing missed, and failure to pay this amount can lead to termination of the franchise agreement. This underscores the importance of Card Decks to the financial viability and operational success of a City Publications franchise.