FASTSIGNS vs AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of FASTSIGNS 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
 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
Investment $218,596 - $298,679$74,250 - $380,568
Franchise Fee $49,750$48,000
Royalty Fee 6%3% -7%
Advertising Fee 2%2.5%
Year Founded 19851970
Year Franchised 19861980
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future 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
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise
    Training - Classroom Training: 5 days Additional Training: At regional locations
    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 Operation Site Selection 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 Regional Advertising 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: 6

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

    Expansion Plans
     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future 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 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.