Craters & Freighters vs Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Craters & Freighters vs Signal Graphics Business Center including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Craters & Freighters Franchise
Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
Investment $176,850 - $276,500$159,000 - $201,000
Franchise Fee $31,500$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19901974
Year Franchised 19911982
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Craters & Freighters Franchise
Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
Experience It is not necessary to have a background in packaging, crate building, or transportation to operate our franchise. Our franchise owners come from widely varied backgrounds from Doctors to CPA's to Engineers. Our staff has the experience and credentials to guide you through an extensive training process in all aspects of running the operation including packaging, crating, and shipping procedures to administration, accounting, marketing, & sales.
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Craters & Freighters Franchise
    Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Craters & Freighters Franchise
    Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
    Training 10-day training program in Golden, CO Training includes classroom and hands-on experience in an operating franchise in Colorado. Owners are trained on, and provided with, the company's proprietary eBusiness Management System Software, Center Opening Handbook, Operations Manual, Policy and Procedures Manual, Freight Carriers Guide, Packaging & Crating Manual and Marketing Manual. Also includes business preparation, proprietary software, pick-up and delivery, transportation, bills of lading, shipping invoices, accounting, marketing, advertising, promotion, start-up operations, pricing and quoting, packaging and crating, insurance, tracers and claims, warehousing, personnel and international shipping.-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations 21% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4

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

    		 3% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Craters & Freighters Franchise
    Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Craters & Freighters

    Starting a franchise format business can eliminate some of the risk of opening an independent business because the concept, brand and name recognition have already been established. The new franchise is the beneficiary of the years of experience of those in support positions at the home office and of all the franchisees that have gone before them. The corporate team is in place to initially provide support in launching the business that includes forecasting and planning for business opening expenses, identifying a location, space planning, shop equipment, supply and inventory purchasing, staffing and training on a broad range of topics key to administering the daily operations of the business. Many more support functions are furnished throughout the life of the franchise pertaining to growing the business and its ongoing operations.
    The Craters & Freighters network provides a distinct advantage over any would be competitor. Instead of being an independent business operation, the new franchise owner directly benefits from the services provided by the Craters & Freighters network of locations. The network provides a big competitive edge allowing our franchise owners to operate as a team. And finally, a franchisee has an additional advantages in controlling cost of goods as the combined spend of the system is used to negotiate discounted prices for goods and services on behalf of the franchisee.Craters & Freighters is the right choice as our ownership benefits provide: *Franchise Support *eBusiness Management Software *In House Engineering Services *Insurance Programs *Brand Identity *Marketing, Advertising & Promotion *eMarketing *Dynamic Center Opening Marketing Program *Opening Assistance *Sales Support *Craters & Freighters Global Logistics *Meetings, Seminars, Regionals & Conventions *Large Trade Areas *Economies of Scale *Networking Advantage
    These are just a few of the advantages to becoming a Craters & Freighters Franchise owner!

    About Signal Graphics Business Center

    In 1974, Stephen Morris founded Stop & Go Printing, a Denver, Colorado, printing center that combined typesetting, quick printing, copying and commercial printing. The company began franchising in 1982. Six years later, Stop & Go Printing changed its name to Signal Graphics. Today the company offers computer graphic services, copying, commercial printing, packaging and shipping services.
    You have unshakable ambition, a dedicated work ethic and a deep desire to succeed. Signal Graphics can help you achieve it. Independence. Unlimited growth potential. Go after your dream.