FASTSIGNS vs Local Copies Etc Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of FASTSIGNS vs Local Copies Etc including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Local Copies Etc Franchise
Investment $218,596 - $298,679$164,500 - $260,500
Franchise Fee $49,750$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 1985-
Year Franchised 1986-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Local Copies Etc Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Local Copies Etc Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Local Copies Etc Franchise
    Training -One of the most vital functions we perform for our franchise owners is to provide an exceptional training program. The Local Copies Etc training program is a two week program held in an active operating location.
    Support

    As a FASTSIGNS franchisee, you will have our direct and active support from the very beginning including: *Site Selection and Build-Out *Pre-Opening Marketing Blitz to drive traffic *Grand Opening Support and Guidance from an outside sales manager and brand ambassador *Dedicated Business Consultants to assist with business/finances training, marketing and sales, production and staff management *Franchisee Mentor Program to guide you and lend support in every aspect of your business *24-Hour Web-Based Learning Management System that keeps you and your staff up-to-speed and in-the-know in this fast-paced market *Personalized Operational Support such as advanced pricing and cost analysis tools and dedicated business consultants *Business & Financial Management, Product Testing & Ratings, Vendor & Equipment Evaluations and Advanced Technological Expertise *A FASTSIGNS Network featuring an annual convention and vendor show, Franchise Partner message boards, Franchise Advisory Committee and online access to support Training, Technical, Marketing and HR Tools

    In order to maintain the continued growth and development of Local Copies, we provide on-going support through our LCE support offices. We have a sincere commitment to our owners to provide continued assistance to help you maximize your business. You will find our support personnel maintain a high level of communication and offer continuous service to our franchise owners. Local Copies Etc also regularly holds regional meetings and conventions to further educate our owners on new trends in the industry.
    Marketing Professional broadcast and print advertising materials. * Customized online presence. * Powerful web marketing. * Sales training programs. * Dedicated Marketing Services Manager* Direct mail programs * E-commerce solutions * Telemarketing, * Direct marketing programs. As another example of industry leadership, we outpaced our industry when we first developed our strategy for targeting our large competitors through aggressive pricing combined unmatched customer service.
    Operations 15% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 8

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Local Copies Etc Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About FASTSIGNS

    More than fast. More than signs.

    The brainchild of Gary Salomon and his partner, the late Bob Schanbaum, FASTSIGNS came to realization in 1985 when the duo experimented with the concept of quick turnaround signs and graphics. Ultimately - and, of course, unbeknownst to Bob and Gary at the time - FASTSIGNS would go on to revolutionize the signage industry and helped create an entirely new niche.

    By late 1987, the Dallas Metroplex area played host to three company-owned FASTSIGNS centers, and by that time, Gary was committed to growing the brand through franchising. Today, FASTSIGNS is a recognized leader in the sign industry with over 675 franchised units in eight countries - the United States & Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Grand Cayman and Australia (operating under the SIGNWAVE brand).

    At its core, FASTSIGNS is a company of collaborators, strategists, graphics experts and problem solvers all focused on one thing: raising the visibility of businesses across the country and around the world. By design, this is a goal largely left open to interpretation. There are virtually endless ways to raise visibility for a company, limited only by imagination. This fact alone makes FASTSIGNS a unique franchise opportunity best suited for driven, creative individuals.

    Veteran's Discount - 50% of Franchise Fee

    #2 in Franchise Gator's Top franchises
    #55 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #44 in Franchise 500 for 2021.



    About Local Copies Etc

    The exceptional profitability of Local Copies Etc centers is based, in part, on our discovery of the missing element in the quick copy industry's ability to fulfill the total needs of virtually every business. After investigating the industry, we opened our first store in Santa Maria, California. Understanding the lack of capabilities in typical quick copy stores we dedicated ourselves to opening a more versatile and productive full service center. The Santa Maria prototype opened in 2001.Local Copies Etc utilized equipment that allowed us to provide a complete offering to our business customers and establish a unique position in the industry. Full service centers became, and remains, the basis of the Local Copies Etc concept; a virtual one stop center for all of your copy, printing and graphic needs. Our concepts, along with our capabilities, will enable our franchise owners to offer the quality and service necessary to generate a tremendous repeat business. Through the complete system approach our franchises can provide this service. No prior background in the printing and graphics related fields. We are not looking to turn our owners into copiers or printers; rather we are looking for individuals who will be alert to the needs of their business community and who will manage and motivate their employees and promote their business. Local Copies Etc will provide the training for you and your employees, and also provide technical and marketing support to assist you through our corporate support offices. 
    Local Copies Etc trust that you, like hundreds of others, will find this business to be exciting, challenging and rewarding. The Local Copies Etc franchise concept has given us the opportunity of offering many people a new way of life. It can be yours too!