FASTSIGNS vs Image360 Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of FASTSIGNS vs Image360 including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Image360 Franchise
Investment $218,596 - $298,679$196,497 - $370,473
Franchise Fee $49,750$40,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%-1.5%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 19851986
Year Franchised 19861987
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
FASTSIGNS Franchise
Image360 Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Image360 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
    Image360 Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 21 hours Classroom Training: 119 hours Additional Training: At various 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 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 ManagerCo-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 2

    Expansion Plans

     
    FASTSIGNS Franchise
    Image360 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 Image360

    Image360 Centers provide signage and graphic solutions to companies and organizations. Franchise owners enjoy the work/life balance of a business-to-business enterprise while participating in a growing industry. With 22 million businesses in the U.S., the need for our products and services increases every year. Unlike traditional sign shops with limited products and services, an Image360 Center is a full-spectrum provider of all types of visual communications. With your own resources backed by the expertise of our professional staff, you can differentiate your business from others as a single, responsive source for graphics, signage and display solutions. As an owner, you can benefit from:
    * Initial training
    * Available in-house provided training & support
    * Product services & in-network solutions
    * Advertising, marketing & promotional programs
    * Alliance Corporate Services (national accounts)
    * Networking opportunities

    * Resale & exit strategy programs

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a start-up Image360 Center ranges from $192,595 to $365,299. If you will operate a start-up center, this includes $57,000 that must be paid to franchisor.
    The total investment necessary to convert either a Signs By Tomorrow® center or a Signs Now® center into an Image360 Center ranges from $13,316 to $65,284. This includes $0 to $500 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    For qualified candidates, the total investment necessary to convert your existing independent graphic solutions business to an Image360 Center through our Advantage program ranges from $38,652 to $214,304. This includes $19,500 that must be paid to the franchisor.

    Seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Western Europe
    Veteran Incentives  25% off franchise fee
    #187 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #376 in Franchise 500 for 2021.