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Updated RecentlyFASTSIGNS vs Around the Town Signs Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of FASTSIGNS vs Around the Town Signs including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $218,596 - $298,679 | $21,035 - $186,200 |
| Franchise Fee | $49,750 | $10,000 - $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | $750 - $2,500/mo. |
| Advertising Fee | 2% | - |
| Year Founded | 1985 | 2011 |
| Year Franchised | 1986 | 2015 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | Yes/- |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/Yes |
| Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
| Receivables | No/Yes | -/- |
| Payroll | No/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | - |
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
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| US Expansion | Yes | 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.
About Around the Town Signs
Around the Town Signs franchise opportunity can be run from your own home or a small office location!
Our team creates effective graphic designs and signage for all types of businesses, from custom banners to point-of-purchase signage to vehicle graphics. We have the expertise and resources to fill almost any signage need. Whether it’s banners, building signs, vehicle graphics, or signs for store windows, walls, doors or floors, we use the very latest computer-aided sign-making systems and techniques to design and create high-impact, cost effective signs that get our clients results.
Our knowledge and investment in quality equipment and products, combined with the training we provide in sales and installation, will allow you to generate an incredible income without the high cost and overhead associated with most franchise opportunities. We will train you in marketing and developing local relationships to meet your customers sign and graphics needs across a broad spectrum of products from business cards, basic banners, vehicle wraps, outside signage and dynamic digital signage.
Around the Town Signs has established an A rating on several consumer sites and is only seeking individuals that will strive to maintain these high standards. There is always a need to communicate to customers through signage, be it lawn signs, banners, dynamic digital or newer technologies. We are at the leading edge of these technologies which represent strong on-going sales opportunities for you in your market area.
Support/Training:
Beginning with a comprehensive five day training program in Florida and additional follow up support in your very own market, our training resources include: Business Planning, Operations, Financial & Personnel management, Marketing, Point-of-Sale, Sign Design, Production & Subcontracting, Annual workshops, on-line ordering and other training opportunities to help you succeed as an Around the Town Signs location.
Investment/Cost of Ownership:
Unlike most franchise sign business opportunities with high priced investments and the requirement to lease or purchase a location to operate your business in while expecting a percentage of all gross sales, the opportunity we offer is much more reasonable and attractive for a savvy entrepreneur. With Around the Towns Signs we only ask for a monthly fixed fee which will not increase when your sales and profits do. Our goal is your success and growth in your market, and we will do our part to see that you are not only happy to pay your royalty fee but feel that it is money well spent to be a part of our Nationwide network.
Veteran incentives Greater of $5,000 off franchise fee or 10% off franchise fee