AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future vs Sign City Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future vs Sign City including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
Sign City Franchise
Investment $74,250 - $380,568N/A
Franchise Fee $48,000N/A
Royalty Fee 3% -7%-
Advertising Fee 2.5%-
Year Founded 19702002
Year Franchised 19802002
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
Sign City Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
    Sign City 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
     
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
    Sign City Franchise
    Training Classroom Training: 5 days Additional Training: At regional locations Corporate Training Two Weeks Training at Corporate Headquarters Covering: *Administrative Duties *Sales and Marketing *Employee Management *Sign City's Leadership Skills *The "Service Mindset" *Understanding the Services Offered *Finding the Right Location *How to use the Equipment Revenue Opportunities Field Training: *One Week Training at Your Location Covering: *Building your Clientele *Sales and Marketing *New Business Development *Assistance with Management *"Kick Off"
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operation Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformAt Sign City we understand the importance of quality training and unwavering support. As a Sign City franchisee you make this business successful. If you don't succeed, we don't succeed. That is why we have developed our extensive traning and support programs. We are dedicated to our team. You can count on Sign City. We are always here for you, including: *Field Support *Phone Training and Ongoing Support *Webinars *24/7 Service to Franchisees *Dedication to the "Team"
    Marketing Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing-
    Operations 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

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

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
    Sign City Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future

    The first AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future location opened in Tucson, Arizona, in 1970. Franchising began nine years later, and by the company's 20th year in business, AlphaGraphics had shops throughout North America, Asia and Europe. AlphaGraphics locations offer customers a variety of printing, copying and publishing services including custom-made business forms, stationery, announcements and presentation folders. Shops also design Web sites.

    The estimated total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a new AlphaGraphics® Business Center franchise is $214,650 to $380,568, excluding real estate costs. This includes $55,500 in initial fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The estimated total initial investment necessary to begin operation of an AlphaGraphics® Business Center franchise under our Acquire and Convert Pathway is $102,250 to $330,050, excluding real estate costs. This includes $55,500 in initial fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The estimated total initial investment necessary to begin operation of an AlphaGraphics® Business Center franchise under our Conversion Pathway is $74,250 to $302,050, excluding real estate costs. This includes $27,500 in initial fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you will also pay a development fee equal to $12,000 for each area listed in the Area Development Agreement, which will be applied toward the applicable initial fees listed above if and when you sign a Franchise Agreement for that area.

    Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S. and in the following regions/states: Europe (Eastern), South America, Europe (Western)

    Veteran Incentives: $5,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur

    #226 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #232 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Sign City

    Better by design The Sign City franchise is designed for today's professional who is interested in joining the bustling and growing signage and printing industry. Lean, profitable, rapid growth and reasonable amounts of completion combine to make this industry one of the best opportunities for growth in the marketplace today. Benefit from almost thirty years of experience and a lifetime of work in the printing and signage business behind you as you launch your business operation. Sign City is different from other sign and printing operations in that we focus on new technology, innovative marketing processes and a modernized approach to the business that completely breaks the mold for the industry. Signage and printing is a clean and consistent business. It is an industry that requires professional, accountable business service and a consultative approach to helping clients manage their brand and print advertising programs. You are uniquely positioned with Sign City as both a service provider and a business consultant. You have the opportunity to build your own business while helping others build their business and clientele. Build a future for yourself and your family with the support and guidance of industry professionals so you never feel like you are in business by yourself but rather with a team who is behind you every step of the way. Ready to be your own boss? Buying a Sign City franchise eliminates the work of developing a business from the ground up. We've already done that! With a proven system in place you can take advantage of ongoing training and support, marketing and brand awareness, and an easier time obtaining financing which all will lead to a higher likelihood of success.