Signs Now vs AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Signs Now Franchise
AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
Investment $90,799 - $317,047$74,250 - $380,568
Franchise Fee $20,000$48,000
Royalty Fee 6% Sliding Scale3% -7%
Advertising Fee 2% with cap2.5%
Year Founded 19831970
Year Franchised 19861980
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee Percentage of current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Signs Now Franchise
AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Signs Now Franchise
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future 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
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
    Training - Classroom Training: 5 days Additional Training: At regional locations
    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 Platform
    Marketing Ad slicksAd 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

     
    Signs Now Franchise
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future 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 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.