FASTSIGNS vs Minuteman Press Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Minuteman Press Franchise
Investment $218,596 - $298,679$74,904,180,053
Franchise Fee $49,750$32,500 - $47,500
Royalty Fee 6%to6%
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19851973
Year Franchised 19861975
Term Of Agreement 10 years35 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years35 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Minuteman Press Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Minuteman Press Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Minuteman Press Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 40+ hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: Ongoing support
    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 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 slicks, Regional advertising
    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)

    1% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    98% of current franchisees are owner/operators


    Expansion Plans

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Minuteman Press Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    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 Minuteman Press

    Minuteman Press was founded in 1973 as Minuteman Press Corp. In 1975 it was incorporated as Minuteman Press International Inc. and began franchising. The company is based in Farmingdale, New York, and has more than 800 locations in the United States and internationally.
    Minuteman Press is the world's largest & #1 rated printing, marketing and design franchise. We offer our franchisees a business that provides high demand products and services, a proven business model, and regional support offices. There has never been a better time to own a Minuteman Press, and you too can take advantage of our unique franchise system. At Minuteman Press, We Are The Modern Printing Industryâ„¢ and we specialize in meeting the growing needs of today's business professionals. Speedy Sign-A-Rama is an affiliate of Minuteman

    Seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S., Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Canada and Western Europe .

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee for a new location; $5,000 off for an existing location
    ""      "Entrepreneur         ""
    In Franchise Business Reviews' Top 200.
    #114 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #226 in Franchise 500 for 2021.