FastSigns Int'l. Inc.

#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