FASTSIGNS vs PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
Investment $218,596 - $298,679$227,981 - $277,981
Franchise Fee $49,750$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%0.25%-6.5%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 19851965
Year Franchised 19861968
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    PIP Printing & Document Services 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/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/YesNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: Regional meetings
    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

    		Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Professional broadcast and print advertising materials. * Customized online presence. * Powerful web marketing. * Sales training programs. * Dedicated Marketing Services ManagerAd Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    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)

    		 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 5

    Absentee ownership allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    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.



    About PIP Printing & Document Services

    In 1965, Bill LeVine converted his commercial printing plant into a "while you wait" printing center. Four years later, his company, PIP Printing, began franchising.
    Today, PIP Printing's more than 1,200 centers provide a variety of printing and business services.
     Promise Yourself A Brighter Future Independence.
    Control over your destiny.
    A more secure future.
    These are a few of the reasons people like you dream of entering business for themselves. PIP Printing can make that dream come true. PIP is part of the growing business communications industry. The best part of all is that, by becoming a PIP franchise owner, you can become part of that.
     Here's what a PIP Printing franchise offers you:
    -Brand name recognition.
    -A proven business system, backed by an established 37-year track record.
    -Powerful national advertising reaching millions of print buyers on such media as TV, radio, magazines and the World Wide Web.
    -A variety of strong local marketing components: posters, direct mail, sales brochures, promotions and radio and TV commercials.
    -Comprehensive market research studies to give PIP Printing the competitive edge.
    -A world-class, e-commerce enabled website for your individual center
    -Buying clout via national purchasing contracts.
    -Pricing strategies to position you competitively in your marketplace.
    -Innovative products and services.
    -Dynamic selling design that projects a professional identity.
    -Comprehensive and ongoing training programs to increase management and business printing skills -- also available to your employees.

    -Detailed marketing skills, operational and management consultation.

    "Entrepreneur
    #389 in Franchise 500 for 2020.