Signs Now vs FASTSIGNS Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Signs Now Franchise
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Investment $90,799 - $317,047$218,596 - $298,679
Franchise Fee $20,000$49,750
Royalty Fee 6% Sliding Scale6%
Advertising Fee 2% with cap2%
Year Founded 19831985
Year Franchised 19861986
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee Percentage of current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Signs Now Franchise
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Signs Now Franchise
    FASTSIGNS 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

     
    Signs Now Franchise
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Training --
    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

    Marketing Ad slicksProfessional broadcast and print advertising materials. * Customized online presence. * Powerful web marketing. * Sales training programs. * Dedicated Marketing Services Manager
    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

     
    Signs Now Franchise
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    US Expansion NoYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Signs Now

    Signs Now is an industry pioneer and leader in professional graphics solutions, providing high-quality signage and graphics products for a diverse clientele. We will provide you with the best indoor and outdoor signage and digital imaging solutions to help you stand apart from the competition.

    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.