Is there a fee associated with using City Publications' copyrighted materials?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of Fee | Amount | Due Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics Services Fee | Current rates as published in the Manual or a published price list, currently $60.00 per hour. For other programs design fee of $60.00 per hour applies. | Time of service | Payable to our Affiliate for preparing printer-ready artwork using information and materials that you provide. You must obtain the advertiser’s approval of the artwork and handle all other communications with the advertiser. (Section 4.F) |
| Mailing List Rental Fee | Current rates and details are published in the Manual or a published price list, currently | Time of rental | Payable to our Affiliate for each use of the Mailing List. Our mailing data is continually updated. (Section 4.D) |
| Type of Fee | Amount $1,500 per 50,000 names for one use. | Due Date | Remarks Mailing List payments are not refundable. |
Source: Item 14 — PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION (FDD page 25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to City Publications' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees may incur fees related to the use of City Publications' copyrighted materials. Specifically, City Publications franchisees pay a "Graphics Services Fee" to the franchisor's affiliate for preparing printer-ready artwork. The current rate for graphic services is $60.00 per hour, as published in the Manual or a published price list. This fee is payable at the time of service. Franchisees are responsible for obtaining advertiser approval of the artwork and handling all communications with the advertiser.
Additionally, City Publications franchisees pay a "Mailing List Rental Fee" for the use of the franchisor's mailing list. The current rates and details are published in the Manual or a published price list. The fee is payable to the affiliate for each use of the Mailing List. The FDD specifies the amount as $1,500 per 50,000 names for one use, and mailing list payments are non-refundable.
These fees are important for prospective franchisees to consider as they contribute to the overall cost of operating a City Publications franchise. Understanding the specific services covered by these fees and the process for obtaining and approving marketing materials is crucial for managing expenses and maintaining compliance with the franchise agreement. Franchisees should consult the Manual and published price lists for the most up-to-date rates and details regarding these fees.