PIP Printing & Document Services vs Around the Town Signs Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
Around the Town Signs Franchise
Investment $227,981 - $277,981$21,035 - $186,200
Franchise Fee $25,000$10,000 - $100,000
Royalty Fee 0.25%-6.5%$750 - $2,500/mo.
Advertising Fee 2%-
Year Founded 19652011
Year Franchised 19682015
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
Around the Town Signs Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    Around the Town Signs Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/YesYes/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    Around the Town Signs Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: Regional meetings -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Ad Templates National Media 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: 3 - 5

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

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    PIP Printing & Document Services Franchise
    Around the Town Signs Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    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.

    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