Established
2004
Franchise Units
140
Minimum Investment
$16,900
Franchise Fee
$8,000
Total Investment Range
$30,800
Home Based
No
Description
Turn Precious Moments into a Thriving Business.
Smallprint is not just a jewelry business; it is a curator of memories. As the originators of the "fingerprint jewelry" concept, Smallprint has spent over two decades perfecting the art of capturing a loved one’s touch in fine silver. This is a unique, home-based franchise opportunity that allows you to step into the world of sentimental retail without needing a background in jewelry making.
In a US market saturated with impersonal, mass-produced gifts, Smallprint stands apart by offering a deeply personal experience. Unlike online-only competitors that rely on mailing generic mold kits to customers, Smallprint franchisees (often called "Smallprinters") provide a high-touch service. They meet clients personally—at local boutiques, baby fairs, or private parties—to take fingerprints directly onto the silver clay. This ensures that the final piece has literally been touched by the loved one, creating a powerful emotional connection that drives sales and customer loyalty.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Smallprint franchise means entering the lucrative personalized gift industry with a brand that defined the category.
Emotional Durability: This business is recession-resistant because it caters to milestones—births, christenings, Mother’s Day, and memorials. Parents and grandparents rarely cut back on sentimental keepsakes.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP): The "Touched by a Loved One" guarantee is a massive competitive advantage. While competitors use casting molds (losing the direct connection), your customers know their child’s finger physically pressed into their charm.
Low Overhead, High Flexibility: No expensive storefront is required. You operate from home, setting your own hours. Your "store" is wherever you are—pop-up events, craft fairs, or home parties.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Beyond the core fingerprint jewelry, the brand has expanded to include Silver Pet Prints (for the booming pet parent market) and Memory Treasures (a dignified partnership model with funeral directors for bereavement keepsakes).
Scalable Growth: You can start as a solo owner-operator and scale up by hiring staff to man stalls at multiple events simultaneously.
Background
Established Year: 2004 (United Kingdom), Franchising since 2006.
Founder: Maija Pykett.
Headquarters: Global HQ in the UK; US Operations based in Oakland, California.
Industry Category: Personalized Jewelry / Home-Based Retail / Children’s Products.
Market Presence: Smallprint is a global success story with over 140 franchisees across 20+ countries. In the USA, the brand is steadily growing, filling a niche for high-quality, handcrafted keepsakes that "big box" personalized sites cannot replicate.
Brand Journey: The concept was born when founder Maija Pykett made a silver pendant with her son's fingerprint. The reaction from other mothers was instant and overwhelming. Realizing that busy parents wanted this product but lacked the skills to make it, she systematized the process into a franchise model. Today, Smallprint is recognized as the original and market leader in this specialized sector.
Support Training
Smallprint prides itself on a "family" culture where you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The support system is designed to take a novice and turn them into a skilled artisan and business owner.
Comprehensive Initial Training: You will undergo an intensive, hands-on training program (typically 3 days). This covers the technical side of working with Silver Clay (PMC), firing, polishing, and finishing, as well as business operations, sales techniques, and event management.
The "Smallworld" Intranet: Access to a proprietary franchisee portal containing training videos, marketing templates, and forums where franchisees worldwide share tips, designs, and advice.
Marketing Support: You receive a "business in a box" marketing suite, including professional brochures, flyers, and business card templates. You also get a dedicated webpage on the high-traffic Smallprint US website to drive local inquiries to you.
Technical & Operational Guidance: Ongoing support from the head office team regarding equipment maintenance, supply chain management (ordering clay and findings), and new product rollouts.
Mentorship: New franchisees are often mentored by experienced "Smallprinters" to help navigate the first year of business.
Ideal Candidate
Smallprint is looking for people who are personable, organized, and eager to connect with their local community. You do not need prior experience as a jeweler or artist.
The "People Person": A significant portion of the business involves interacting with excited new parents or emotional clients. You must be friendly, empathetic, and approachable.
Community Connector: The most successful franchisees are those who are active in their communities—willing to network with local playgroups, nurseries, boutiques, and pet stores.
Self-Motivated: As a home-based business owner, you need the discipline to manage your own schedule, book events, and follow up on leads without a boss watching over you.
Detail-Oriented: While the jewelry making is learned, it requires a steady hand and patience to ensure the high-quality finish the brand is known for.
Investment Capability: You must have the liquid capital to cover the franchise fee and the initial equipment setup.
Financial Detail
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
| Total Initial Investment | $16,900 – $30,800 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $8,000 – $18,500 (Varies by territory size/type) |
| Equipment & Starter Pack | Included in investment estimates (Kiln, tools, initial silver stock) |
| Royalty Fee | 10% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Term of Agreement | 5 Years (Renewable) |
