As a top North American Photography Business, Urbanimmersive offers dedicated 3D tech-powered real estate photography solutions that help improve your operational efficiency and revenues. Enjoy the benefits of running your own brand without the challenges of being alone. Join the largest network of independent photographers. By joining our Franchise network, you are joining a family that will help you focus on what you love doing: Photography!
(All you can eat buffet type of Royalty!)
Deliver Unlimited Number of
Don't Delay. Territories Are Going Fast. 3D Tour Tourbuzz Client Already, Territory Offered No Charge If Franchise Agreement Signed Before May 15th 2023
If you would like to join the Network or learn more about this opportunity, reach out to our Franchises development team at franchise@urbanimmersive.com
At Urbanimmersive, we strive to provide a consistent and high-quality experience for our clients. By requiring our franchisees to use our comprehensive Photographer Enterprise Resource Planning (PERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, we can ensure seamless coordination of all business processes, including scheduling, invoicing, and payments. Our integrated ERP and CRM platforms not only streamline business operations but also enable us to offer robust support to our franchisees. By centralizing data and communication, we can monitor performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide timely assistance when needed. In summary, using Urbanimmersive's ERP and CRM platforms is essential for maintaining the high standards our clients expect while providing franchisees with the necessary tools and support to effectively manage their businesses.
Yes, the unlimited 3D tours and floor plans offered to franchisees are limited to the residential market segment. For other types of buildings, such as local businesses, commercial, historical sites, hotels, and resorts, etc, there will be a charge for post-production. The rate for these non-residential 3D tours and floor plans is $0.01 per square foot which represent a very competitive pricing. This pricing structure ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality, specialized services tailored to the unique requirements of various property types.
No, there is no monthly franchise fee. Our business model is designed to align with yours. Instead of charging a fixed monthly fee, Urbanimmersive only receives payment when franchisees generate revenue. This approach ensures that our interests are directly aligned with yours, and we share in the growth and success of your business. Our commitment is to support you every step of the way while providing a financial structure that promotes mutual prosperity.
If photographers do not already have the necessary photography equipment, such as a DSLR camera, tripod, and Ricoh 360 camera, they will be required to acquire them. There is also a cost associated with obtaining a territory, but this cost can be waived if the business is already an Urbanimmersive or Tourbuzz 3D tour client and the franchise agreement is signed before the end of April 2023. Additionally, if the photographer does not have a website, they will be required to create one that complies with Urbanimmersive's rules or purchase one from Urbanimmersive. There is also a training and setup fee, which includes without being limited to, creating the online ordering form, setting up the payment system, and importing clients. However, this setup fee can be waived if the photographer is already using Urbanimmersive technology.
For a photographer generating $100K in annual revenue and averaging 500 shoots per year (with 30 images per shoot), the cost of running an Urbanimmersive franchise is approximately $26K. This cost includes the 3% royalty, photo-editing for 15,000 photos with delivery to clients within 24 hours, unlimited 3D tours, floor plans, and property websites. It also encompasses SSO and IDX integration with an increasing number of MLSs, thanks to UI's partnership with Corelogic. On average, a franchised photographer would conclude their first year with about $5K in annual recurring revenue from Prime subscription memberships. Factoring in the revenue sharing with Urbanimmersive for these memberships, the net recurring revenue for the photographer would amount to $3.5K/year. Applying this recurring revenue to the estimated franchise's annual cost results in a net cost of around $23K. Based on our experience, such photographers would typically deliver approximately 250 3D tours and floor plans. Without a franchise, the same photographer would have paid about $12.5K using Urbanimmersive's standard price list. Additionally, they could have delivered 500 feature-rich property websites, which would have cost $7.5K through Urbanimmersive. Regarding photo-editing, a typical photographer would need to pay an estimated $2 to $3 per image to achieve the same level of editing services provided by the Urbanimmersive franchise. As a result, without a franchise, photo-editing costs could reach up to $35K. Furthermore, the photographer would have required an ERP and CRM system to manage their business. For an email marketing system (such as MailChimp) alone, the typical photographer would have spent a minimum of $4K per year to obtain a comparable system to the one provided by Urbanimmersive. In summary, for a $23K investment, franchisees receive services valued at $55K.
The photo-editing services provided by Urbanimmersive are among the best and most comprehensive in the market, helping all Urbanimmersive brands attract and retain clients. It is essential to note that franchises are required to use 3 to 5 bracket HDR techniques for every service. Our photo-editing services include HDR bracket merging, white balance correction, exposure, shadow, highlight, contrast, brightness, and saturation adjustments, lens correction, vignetting removal, and color cast reduction. We also remove camera and tripod reflections, sensor spots, and reduce glare/reflections. Exterior shots include blue sky replacement. Final adjustments consist of sharpening, straightening horizontal and vertical lines, noise reduction, chromatic aberration removal, and resizing. Additionally, our services enhance grass (without replacing it), blur human faces, license plates, and real estate signs, add images to TV and computer screens, and insert fire in fireplaces.
Franchisees are required to use our photo-editing services to maintain a nationwide consistency in quality across all our brands. Our ERP includes all the features necessary to streamline the photo-editing process, ensuring a seamless workflow. This requirement not only guarantees a high standard of visual presentation but also contributes to an improved work-life balance for our franchisees, eliminating the need to work late nights enhancing images. Our franchise photo-editing services include next-day delivery, and this also covers delivery to your clients. This approach gives photographers peace of mind, allowing them to focus on capturing stunning photos while knowing that their clients will receive professionally edited images promptly. By offering a comprehensive solution that benefits both our franchisees and their clients, we demonstrate our commitment to providing an efficient and high-quality service.
While the Urbanimmersive franchise is open to all entrepreneurs, it is primarily designed for existing real estate photography businesses looking to increase their margins, competitiveness, and market reach. By joining the Urbanimmersive franchise network, these businesses can benefit from our technology, support, and established brand presence to enhance their own success.
In response to the question about copyrights, our franchisees are required to transfer the rights of use for digital images (excluding prints) to our clients, which includes real estate agents and extends to, but is not limited to, technological partners such as Corelogic, MLS' real estate portals, broker websites, and others. It's important to note that our franchisees must agree that the copyright agreement with their clients (agents) excludes the rights to use images on prints without additional fees. Urbanimmersive takes the responsibility of negotiating agreements with MLS and our partners to ensure that all our franchisees adhere to fair and honest copyright practices. By establishing clear and transparent copyright policies, we protect the interests of our franchisees, clients, and partners, while fostering a reliable and trustworthy business environment.
In response to the question about franchise territory protection, the process works as follows: There will be a maximum number of franchisees allowed to operate within a Territory, which is determined by taking the total population within a geographic zone defined by the Franchisor and dividing it by 100,000 per photographer. The population data is calculated based on sources that the Franchisor deems reliable to determine the population, such as the US Census Bureau in the U.S. or StatCanada in Canada. Territories are delineated within the ERP zoning feature, and a Territory may be defined with several Zones. This approach ensures that each franchisee has a protected area in which to operate, promoting a healthy balance of competition and minimizing the risk of market saturation. By providing each franchisee with a large, protected territory, we help facilitate the growth and success of their businesses.
Yes, franchisees have the flexibility to determine the pricing for their photography services. However, they are required to adhere to Urbanimmersive's pricing policy regarding our monthly Prime subscription. This policy states that franchisees must include a 3D tour scan (using UI's technology) for every order received from a Prime subscriber. The subscription also serves as a stable source of recurring revenue for the franchisee. For UI, the Prime subscription is a way to support the hosting and UiMeet3D Metaverse experience offered to agents for their 3D tours. It's important to note that the monthly subscription revenues are shared on a 30% to UI and 70% to the franchisee , which has proven to sufficiently compensate for the extra 15-20 minutes required for the 3D scan offered to Prime subscribers. By following this policy, we maintain consistency and ensure that all clients subscribing to the Prime plan receive a high-quality and uniform service across all franchise locations, while also providing fair compensation to our franchisees.
Yes, you can decide which photography services you want to offer, such as drone services, as long as you comply with all rules and regulations related to those services. However, it's important to note that franchisees cannot offer 3D tours, floor plans, property websites or any other products that compete with Urbanimmersive's technology, services and products. That being said, Urbanimmersive typically provides franchisees who were previously offering competing 3D tours a transition period to switch over to Urbanimmersive's technology. This allows for a smooth transition and ensures that all franchisees are offering consistent, high-quality services that align with Urbanimmersive's standards and offerings.
Yes, you can decide which photography services you want to offer, such as drone services, as long as you comply with all rules and regulations related to those services. However, it's important to note that franchisees cannot offer 3D tours, floor plans, property websites or any other products that compete with Urbanimmersive's technology, services and products. That being said, Urbanimmersive typically provides franchisees who were previously offering competing 3D tours a transition period to switch over to Urbanimmersive's technology. This allows for a smooth transition and ensures that all franchisees are offering consistent, high-quality services that align with Urbanimmersive's standards and offerings.
Yes, you can definitely operate a multi-photographer business as an Urbanimmersive franchise. In fact, our largest franchise, HomeVisit, operates with a team of 260 photographers. Urbanimmersive provides all the necessary tools and features to efficiently manage a multi-photographer business, including scheduling, route optimization, travel fee reimbursement, payroll, and more. This allows you to focus on growing your business while ensuring a seamless experience for your clients.
Of course, if a franchisee decides to change their mind, they have several options available to them. They can choose to return to their previous status, retain their clients, and utilize other technologies. Additionally, they are permitted to sell their franchise, following specific rules outlined in the franchise agreement. Urbanimmersive is also open to acquiring certain franchises and operating them as corporate franchises under the same set of rules. For example, if a photographer is considering retirement, Urbanimmersive could potentially acquire their franchise. Similarly, if a multi-photographer business owner is looking for an exit strategy, Urbanimmersive could be an ideal acquirer.
Franchisees benefit significantly from the integration resulting from Urbanimmersive's partnership with Corelogic. These benefits include:
Urbanimmersive keeps your clients' 3D tours hosted for a period of 12 months from the date of creation. After 12 months, the 3D tours will be archived and can be reactivated upon request, subject to additional fees. This hosting period ensures that your clients have ample time to utilize their 3D tours for marketing purposes while maintaining an efficient storage system for our servers.
For clients on the Prime subscription, all their 3D tours will remain hosted as long as they maintain their Prime membership. Additionally, if clients prefer to host their 3D tours on their own servers, they can easily do so by following the provided instructions. This flexibility allows clients to choose the hosting solution that best suits their needs.
As an Urbanimmersive franchisee, you will receive comprehensive training and support to help you succeed. This includes initial training on our technology and best practices, as well as ongoing support through webinars, documentation, and a dedicated franchise support team. We also provide marketing materials and guidance to help you promote your business effectively.
While we expect franchisees to strive for success and maintain a high level of professionalism, we do not impose strict minimum performance requirements. However, we do monitor franchisees' performance and provide support to help them reach their full potential.
Aside from the 3% royalty fee, there are no additional mandatory ongoing fees. However, franchisees are responsible amongst other things for their own marketing expenses, accounting, payroll, customer support and sales expenses and may choose to invest in additional tools or services to enhance their business.
Urbanimmersive franchises can be operated from home, as long as you have the necessary equipment and a dedicated workspace. There is no requirement for a physical office space, allowing you to keep overhead costs low.
The process starts with submitting an application and discussing your interest with our franchise team. After a thorough review of your application and background, we will provide you with our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and discuss available territories. If both parties agree to proceed, you will sign the franchise agreement, complete the initial training, and begin setting up your business. The entire process typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on various factors.
Yes, you can expand your franchise to multiple territories, subject to availability and approval by Urbanimmersive. This allows you to grow your business and capitalize on opportunities in other markets.
Urbanimmersive sets itself apart through its innovative technology, comprehensive services, and a commitment to helping franchisees succeed. Our state-of-the-art 3D tours, floor plans, and property websites, combined with our professional photo-editing services and ongoing support, provide franchisees with a competitive edge in the market.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the exciting opportunity of becoming an Urbanimmersive franchisee. We are committed to helping our franchisees succeed and thrive in the competitive real estate photography industry. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the possibility of joining our growing network of successful franchises, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is always available to provide the information and support you need to make an informed decision. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can work together to achieve success. Contact us today to take the first step toward your bright future as an Urbanimmersive franchisee!