2014
460
$10,350
$8,500
$18,550
No
Card My Yard is a premier yard greeting franchise that transforms everyday lawns into vibrant, personalized celebrations. Founded in 2014 by Jessica Stanley and Amy Arnold in Austin, Texas, the company began with a simple Halloween sign in their neighborhood. Recognizing the joy it brought, they expanded to offer customizable yard signs for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and other special occasions. By 2021, Card My Yard had grown to over 460 locations across 45 states, making it one of the fastest-growing businesses in the Austin area.
The franchise's success lies in its unique value proposition: providing a memorable, personalized experience that brings communities together. With a user-friendly online ordering system and a focus on customer satisfaction, Card My Yard has carved out a niche in the celebration and event services industry.
Low Startup Costs: With an initial investment ranging from $9,800 to $18,550, Card My Yard offers an affordable entry into the franchise world .
Home-Based Model: Operate your business from home, reducing overhead costs and increasing profitability.
Flexible Hours: Manage your schedule to fit your lifestyle, making it ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
Proven Business Model: Benefit from a tested system with a strong brand presence and a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Receive training and ongoing support to ensure your success.
Established Year:
Card My Yard was founded in 2014 in Austin, Texas.
Founders:
Jessica Stanley and Amy Arnold started the company with a simple Halloween yard sign for their neighborhood. Their goal was to create joy and memorable celebrations for communities.
Brand Journey & Company History:
2014 – Launched with local yard greeting services in Austin, Texas.
2017 – Began offering franchise opportunities to expand nationally.
2018–2020 – Rapid growth across the United States, gaining popularity for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
2021 – Achieved over 460 franchise locations across 45 states, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing celebration franchises in the country.
2024 – Acquired by Five Star Franchising, which further strengthened its national expansion and operational support.
Franchise Units:
Over 460 franchise units operating across the United States.
Ownership:
Originally privately held; now part of Five Star Franchising, which provides additional resources for marketing, technology, and franchisee support.
Market Presence:
Card My Yard operates in 45 states, serving local communities with personalized yard greetings.
Recognized in the Celebration & Event Services industry as a unique, home-based franchise model.
Industry Category:
Celebration & Event Services – focuses on personalized yard greetings for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, holidays, and community events.
Other Information:
The brand is community-focused, often participating in local events and celebrations.
Emphasizes customization, customer experience, and joyful moments as its core differentiators.
Offers a home-based business model, which reduces overhead and makes it accessible for first-time franchise owners or entrepreneurs seeking flexibility.
Card My Yard offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisee success. Their system is designed to guide owners from the pre-launch phase through daily operations and long-term growth.
Before opening your franchise, Card My Yard provides:
Business Setup Guidance: Assistance with paperwork, franchise agreements, and legal compliance.
Territory Selection: Help selecting an exclusive territory to maximize market potential.
Initial Marketing Strategy: Support with launching marketing campaigns to create local awareness.
Technology Setup: Access to the franchise’s online platform for booking, customer management, and inventory tracking.
Franchisees receive thorough training covering all aspects of running the business:
Operational Training:
How to handle yard greetings efficiently.
Scheduling and logistics for multiple events.
Inventory management and sign care.
Customer Service & Sales Training:
Techniques to provide exceptional customer experience.
How to upsell additional services and seasonal packages.
Business Management Training:
Managing finances, tracking revenue, and understanding key performance indicators.
Marketing, promotions, and local community engagement.
Hands-On Experience: Some franchises include shadowing or practice days to gain real-world experience.
After launch, Card My Yard continues to provide:
Marketing Support: Templates for social media, email campaigns, and local promotions.
Operational Updates: Regular guidance on best practices, industry trends, and seasonal strategies.
Dedicated Franchise Support Team: Access to a knowledgeable team for troubleshooting, advice, and mentorship.
Technology & Platform Updates: Continuous improvements to the ordering system and mobile app for efficient management.
Networking Opportunities: Franchisee conferences, webinars, and peer communities to share ideas and strategies.
Brand Recognition: Leverage an established brand with national visibility.
Local Marketing Tools: Flyers, banners, and digital materials to attract customers.
Community Engagement Guidance: Strategies for participating in local events to increase exposure.
Card My Yard seeks franchisees who are motivated, community-oriented, and ready to run a flexible, home-based business. The ideal investor combines entrepreneurial drive with a passion for celebration and customer service.
Community-Oriented: Enjoys connecting with people and contributing to local events and celebrations.
Customer-Focused: Dedicated to creating memorable experiences for clients and maintaining high service standards.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated to manage and grow their own business, taking initiative to explore opportunities.
Positive & Energetic: Brings enthusiasm to customer interactions and yard greeting setups.
Business Acumen: Previous experience in retail, event planning, marketing, or small business ownership is a plus but not required.
Operational Skills: Comfortable handling logistics, scheduling, and inventory management.
Sales & Marketing Ability: Able to promote services locally and engage with the community to grow the customer base.
Initial Investment: Able to meet the franchise investment requirement of $10,350 – $18,550.
Net Worth Requirement: At least $30,000 in liquid assets or equivalent to cover startup costs.
Long-Term Commitment: Willing to invest time and effort to build and sustain the business.
Home-Based Model: Ideal for individuals seeking flexibility, as operations are managed primarily from home.
Community Engagement: Preferably located in suburban or urban areas with high visibility and accessible neighborhoods.
Territory Commitment: Franchisees are assigned exclusive territories, ensuring they can grow their market without internal competition.
Passion for Celebrations: Enjoys creating joyful experiences for families, schools, and local organizations.
Growth-Oriented: Seeks to scale the business by expanding services, increasing repeat customers, and leveraging marketing tools.
Adaptable & Coachable: Willing to learn from the franchisor’s proven system and adapt to operational guidance.
| Financial Item | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $8,500 |
| Estimated Total Investment | $10,350 – $18,550 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $10,350 |
| Infrastructure / Equipment Costs | Included in total investment (yard signs, banners, storage, delivery vehicle optional) |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | 1% of Gross Sales |
| Royalty Fees | 25% of Gross Sales |
| Working Capital | Approximately $2,000 – $5,000 recommended for initial operations |
| Break-Even Time | Typically within 12 months (location and market dependent) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Yard Greeting Rentals (Primary) - Seasonal Packages - Add-On Decorations & Services |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; experienced franchises report positive ROI within 12–18 months |
| Franchise Units | Over 460 locations across 45 states |
| Renewal Fee | $3,000 upon franchise agreement renewal |
| Additional Fees | Cardference Fee: $200 per franchise owner |
