Instant Imprints vs FASTSIGNS Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Instant Imprints Franchise
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Investment $157,817 - $339,385$218,596 - $298,679
Franchise Fee $29,500$49,750
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19921985
Year Franchised 20011986
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years10 years
Renewal Fee $2.5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Instant Imprints Franchise
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Instant Imprints Franchise
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/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

     
    Instant Imprints Franchise
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives

    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 Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingProfessional broadcast and print advertising materials. * Customized online presence. * Powerful web marketing. * Sales training programs. * Dedicated Marketing Services Manager
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    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

     
    Instant Imprints Franchise
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Instant Imprints

    The First and Only Franchise in the industry Offering This Level of Comprehensive Products and services. The promotional advertising industry includes many different products and services. Most people don't realize just how immense this industry has become. Although they have been around for over half a century, the screen printing, embroidery, sign, and promotional products industries lacked the technology to easily enter into them. We were the first and are still the only franchise to merge these normally separate businesses under one roof. Why settle for a clothing franchise when you can get all five franchise concepts rolled into one! New innovations, as well as over thirty years of experience in this market, have allowed us to completely revolutionize these well established industries. Instant Imprints is not just an apparel franchise. We also do signs, banners and promotional items! Our store owners can provide a one-stop solution to their customers. From signs and banners to embroidery and screen printing, our franchisees enjoy high profit margins, great opportunities to upsell, and, most importantly, ability to fulfill their dreams of being a business owner. Your customer base is limitless. Nearly every company, school, organization, team, and a growing numbers of consumers buy and use our services and products daily. As a whole, the industry has never seen a decline. We have developed turnkey solutions for newcomers as well as created benefits and new systems for seasoned industry veterans. For a cost comparable to that of other franchises offering only one service, you can have the freedom to fill all promotional needs of your clients. The opportunities are limitless! For those interested in purchasing an existing business, Instant Imprints also has established franchise opportunities available in certain areas.

    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.