Franchise FAQ

A Discovery Map^® is a colorful, hand-drawn map of the local area distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as business locations. Each map highlights local attractions and things to do, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad on the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and the actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

In answering the question, "What is a Discovery Map^®?" we are also very excited to say that we have a fully functional digital map production and advertising component as well, and we continue to invest resources into maintaining and expanding our digital presence.

Discovery Map International, Inc. is a franchise business. Our franchise business model is simple and straightforward:

• You are awarded the rights to an exclusive DMI map and territory.
• You sell advertising space on your physical and electronic map media.
• You submit your advertising information to DMI design and publication offices using our proprietary software tools.
• DMI support staff design and produce your custom ad in both print and digital form.
• DMI sends the completed map to your approved print vendor.
• You receive the maps in bulk and distribute them to DMI map display cases strategically located throughout your territory.
• You keep the racks full and await your next annual sales cycle to continue to grow your DMI franchise business and your profits!

Your job as a franchise owner will be to sell advertising on your map and manage its distribution. Your profit is the difference between your gross sales and the cost of printing your maps, royalties and business operation expenses. However, you will have very little overhead, operating out of a home-based business and not needing to purchase inventory or hire staff.

At Discovery Map International, we are very discriminating in awarding franchise licenses, as we do so only to candidates who meet our time-tested qualifications.

The characteristics that we consistently see in our high performers are the following:

• A “go-getter” who knows how to forge long-term professional relationships in the community
• A self-starter who knows how to take initiative
• Someone with strong time management skills
• A disciplined professional who demonstrates a pattern of meeting deadlines
• The ability to pay attention to details
• A team oriented person who can work effectively within a structured business system
• Persuaders who love the sales process
• Someone with a warm, friendly, and engaging personality who really enjoys helping others succeed
• Adequately capitalized at the onset

Does this sound like you? If so, then we encourage you to continue your journey towards possible franchise ownership with Discovery Map^®!

Discovery Map International, Inc. is an established brand in the travel and tourism industry. By offering a known product with a recognized brand, you have already mitigated many of the risks associated with a new business. To help ensure the success and growth of your operation, Discovery Map^® provides the support and assistance you need on an ongoing basis.

Here are some of the many Discovery Map^® franchise advantages:

• Qualified, dedicated corporate staff with broad expertise in business operations
• A proven track record of success — over 130 established maps in the US and Canada
• Comprehensive training and on-going support in operating your business
• A reliable industry with strong demand
• Personal fulfillment and the financial rewards of successful business ownership
• Independence and flexibility
• Complete start-up marketing materials package
• Comprehensive map design and publishing support
• A Franchisor who strives to maintain the highest standards of quality and brand recognition.

Comprehensive Training—A very important benefit of our franchise offering is our exceptional DMI Training Program. It is designed for new franchise owners and key personnel. It includes training on all topics you will need to run your new map business with confidence and success. Product knowledge, sales skills, customer interaction techniques, business operations, policies, procedures, marketing and promotional techniques are covered in detail. Training takes place in our beautiful Waitsfield, Vermont, headquarters and also in your franchise map territory. In addition, supplemental training is offered on an on-going basis.

Ongoing Support—To help ensure the success and growth of your operation, Discovery Map International provides assistance with all aspects of running your business, including:

• Site selection research for the map location
• Map layout and design
• Promotions to prospective advertisers
• On-going public relations and new business development

Yes. Our relationship with all of our franchisees is a partnership built on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. This philosophy permeates everything we do including dealing with our franchise owners, their clients (advertisers), and our very own employees. We are all in this together, striving to create the best lives for our families and ourselves by way of an honest and integrity-driven business relationship.

Your success is important to us! We need you—and you need us. We promise to give you our support in helping your business to succeed. Let us work together. Let us address any problems as professionals. Outside our legal agreements, let’s pledge to deal with each other in an open and honest manner. All the other objectives will follow. By working together the Discovery Map® sky is limitless.