FASTSIGNS vs Sign City Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Sign City Franchise
Investment $218,596 - $298,679N/A
Franchise Fee $49,750N/A
Royalty Fee 6%-
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19852002
Year Franchised 19862002
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Sign City Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Sign City 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

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Sign City Franchise
    Training -Corporate Training Two Weeks Training at Corporate Headquarters Covering: *Administrative Duties *Sales and Marketing *Employee Management *Sign City's Leadership Skills *The "Service Mindset" *Understanding the Services Offered *Finding the Right Location *How to use the Equipment Revenue Opportunities Field Training: *One Week Training at Your Location Covering: *Building your Clientele *Sales and Marketing *New Business Development *Assistance with Management *"Kick Off"
    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

    At Sign City we understand the importance of quality training and unwavering support. As a Sign City franchisee you make this business successful. If you don't succeed, we don't succeed. That is why we have developed our extensive traning and support programs. We are dedicated to our team. You can count on Sign City. We are always here for you, including: *Field Support *Phone Training and Ongoing Support *Webinars *24/7 Service to Franchisees *Dedication to the "Team"
    Marketing Professional broadcast and print advertising materials. * Customized online presence. * Powerful web marketing. * Sales training programs. * Dedicated Marketing Services Manager-
    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)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Sign City Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Sign City

    Better by design The Sign City franchise is designed for today's professional who is interested in joining the bustling and growing signage and printing industry. Lean, profitable, rapid growth and reasonable amounts of completion combine to make this industry one of the best opportunities for growth in the marketplace today. Benefit from almost thirty years of experience and a lifetime of work in the printing and signage business behind you as you launch your business operation. Sign City is different from other sign and printing operations in that we focus on new technology, innovative marketing processes and a modernized approach to the business that completely breaks the mold for the industry. Signage and printing is a clean and consistent business. It is an industry that requires professional, accountable business service and a consultative approach to helping clients manage their brand and print advertising programs. You are uniquely positioned with Sign City as both a service provider and a business consultant. You have the opportunity to build your own business while helping others build their business and clientele. Build a future for yourself and your family with the support and guidance of industry professionals so you never feel like you are in business by yourself but rather with a team who is behind you every step of the way. Ready to be your own boss? Buying a Sign City franchise eliminates the work of developing a business from the ground up. We've already done that! With a proven system in place you can take advantage of ongoing training and support, marketing and brand awareness, and an easier time obtaining financing which all will lead to a higher likelihood of success.