Franchise 500HomebasedLow Cost Top NewFast GrowingTop GlobalBiz OpportunitiesFranchises for Sale
Next
107/500
Back

FastSigns Int'l. Inc.

2012 Franchise 500
#107
At a Glance

Products & Services: Signs & graphics solutions

Number of Locations: 540

Total Investment: $169.67K - 276.42K

Founded: 1985

Began Franchising: 1986

Private Owned

About FastSigns Int'l. Inc.

In 1985, print broker and catalog developer Gary Salomon visited a computer shop in Austin, Texas. Impressed with how quickly the shop was able to produce vinyl signs, he decided to open a signmaking shop of his own. Salomon and partner Robert Schanbaum convinced the store's owner to train them on the new technology and signmaking techniques. In exchange, they promised not to open a competing business in Austin.

The partners opened their first store in Dallas later that year and began selling franchises in 1986. By 2000, the company had more than 400 stores making banners, architectural letters, vehicle graphics and signs for windows, yards and buildings.

Franchise Units

Year U.S. Canadian International Company Owned
2011 455 24 61 0
2010 449 22 57 0
2009 467 20 66 0
2008 445 16 65 0
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new units internationally.

Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing

Total Investment: $169,668 - $276,419
Franchise Fee: $34,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $250,000
Liquid Cash Available: $75,000
Operations
18% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 5. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).
Financing Type In-House Third Party
Franchise Fee
Startup Costs
Equipment
Inventory
Accounts Receivable
Payroll

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees

Training: Available at headquarters: 3 weeks. At franchisee's location: Up to 2 weeks. Ongoing visits, regional & annual convention, web seminars
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Research & development

Franchise Ranking History

Franchise 500®: #107 (2012), #80 (2011), #85 (2010), #108 (2009), #138 (2008),
Fastest-Growing: #83 (2010),
America's Top Global: #89 (2012), #67 (2011), #71 (2010), #86 (2009), #115 (2008),

Franchise Search

Find Franchise Opportunities for Sale

Featured Franchises For Sale

Buy a Business or Franchise with Your Retirement Funds

Use IRA and 401(k) funds to start a business or Franchise - No Tax penalties
Click HERE for More Info

Guidant Financial