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Updated RecentlySigns By Tomorrow vs AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Signs By Tomorrow vs AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $90,799 - $317,047 | $74,250 - $380,568 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 | $48,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 3% -7% |
| Advertising Fee | 1% | 2.5% |
| Year Founded | 1986 | 1970 |
| Year Franchised | 1987 | 1980 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 20 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | 20 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 |
| Equipment | -/- | No/Yes |
| Inventory | -/- | No/Yes |
| Receivables | -/- | No/Yes |
| Payroll | -/- | No/Yes |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | Classroom Training: 5 days Additional Training: At regional locations |
| Support | - | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operation Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks | Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing |
| Operations | - |
5% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Signs By Tomorrow
Founded by Joseph McGuinness in 1986, Signs By Tomorrow provides customers with a variety of printing and sign-making services. Each location can create special event banners, graphics and signs; full color graphics; architectural signage; real estate signage; and vehicle signage, usually in one day.
About AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future
The first AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future location opened in Tucson, Arizona, in 1970. Franchising began nine years later, and by the company's 20th year in business, AlphaGraphics had shops throughout North America, Asia and Europe. AlphaGraphics locations offer customers a variety of printing, copying and publishing services including custom-made business forms, stationery, announcements and presentation folders. Shops also design Web sites.
The estimated total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a
new AlphaGraphics® Business Center franchise is $214,650 to $380,568,
excluding real estate costs. This includes $55,500 in initial fees that
must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
The estimated total
initial investment necessary to begin operation of an AlphaGraphics®
Business Center franchise under our Acquire and Convert Pathway is
$102,250 to $330,050, excluding real estate costs. This includes $55,500
in initial fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
The estimated total initial investment necessary to begin operation of
an AlphaGraphics® Business Center franchise under our Conversion Pathway
is $74,250 to $302,050, excluding real estate costs. This includes
$27,500 in initial fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an
affiliate. If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you will also pay a
development fee equal to $12,000 for each area listed in the Area
Development Agreement, which will be applied toward the applicable
initial fees listed above if and when you sign a Franchise Agreement for
that area.
Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S. and in the following regions/states:
Europe (Eastern), South America, Europe (Western)
Veteran Incentives: $5,000 off franchise fee
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#226 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#232 in Franchise 500 for 2021.