Signal Graphics Business Center vs PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Signal Graphics Business Center vs PIP Printing & Document Services including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
Investment $159,000 - $201,000$227,981 - $277,981
Franchise Fee $25,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%0.25%-6.5%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19741965
Year Franchised 19821968
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
    PIP Printing & Document Services 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
     
    Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: Regional meetings
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    Operations 3% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (95% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 5% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 5

    Absentee ownership allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Signal Graphics Business Center Franchise
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Signal Graphics Business Center

    In 1974, Stephen Morris founded Stop & Go Printing, a Denver, Colorado, printing center that combined typesetting, quick printing, copying and commercial printing. The company began franchising in 1982. Six years later, Stop & Go Printing changed its name to Signal Graphics. Today the company offers computer graphic services, copying, commercial printing, packaging and shipping services.
    You have unshakable ambition, a dedicated work ethic and a deep desire to succeed. Signal Graphics can help you achieve it. Independence. Unlimited growth potential. Go after your dream.


    About PIP Printing & Document Services

    In 1965, Bill LeVine converted his commercial printing plant into a "while you wait" printing center. Four years later, his company, PIP Printing, began franchising.
    Today, PIP Printing's more than 1,200 centers provide a variety of printing and business services.
     Promise Yourself A Brighter Future Independence.
    Control over your destiny.
    A more secure future.
    These are a few of the reasons people like you dream of entering business for themselves. PIP Printing can make that dream come true. PIP is part of the growing business communications industry. The best part of all is that, by becoming a PIP franchise owner, you can become part of that.
     Here's what a PIP Printing franchise offers you:
    -Brand name recognition.
    -A proven business system, backed by an established 37-year track record.
    -Powerful national advertising reaching millions of print buyers on such media as TV, radio, magazines and the World Wide Web.
    -A variety of strong local marketing components: posters, direct mail, sales brochures, promotions and radio and TV commercials.
    -Comprehensive market research studies to give PIP Printing the competitive edge.
    -A world-class, e-commerce enabled website for your individual center
    -Buying clout via national purchasing contracts.
    -Pricing strategies to position you competitively in your marketplace.
    -Innovative products and services.
    -Dynamic selling design that projects a professional identity.
    -Comprehensive and ongoing training programs to increase management and business printing skills -- also available to your employees.

    -Detailed marketing skills, operational and management consultation.

    "Entrepreneur
    #389 in Franchise 500 for 2020.