FastSigns Int'l. Inc.

Founded: 1985 Franchising since: 1986
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.

2542 Highlander Wy. Carrollton, Texas 75006

Phone: (800)827-7446/ (214)346-5600 Franchisee Association Franchisee Advisory

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 95 employee(s); 7 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Growth

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	467	20	66	0
2008	445	16	65	0
2007	418	14	67	0
2006	420	12	63	0
2005	406	11	61	0

Where Seeking Franchisees
In the U.S. Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North carolina, North dakota, New hampshire, New jersey, New mexico, Nevada, New york, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode island, South carolina, South dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West virginia, Wyoming
Outside the U.S.: Australia/new zealand, Canada, Mexico, South america, Western europe

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Minimum 4,000 businesses

Special Programs
Fastsigns supports the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Franchises also participate in Toys for Tots.

Total investment: $224.8K-325.9K Franchise fee: $27.5K

Ongoing royalty fee: 6% Term of agreement: 20 years, renewable

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	Yes
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $250K
Cash liquidity requirement: $75K
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills
• Sales experience

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)

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 500® rank:
#108 (2009); #138 (2008); #100 (2007); #106 (2006); #109 (2005);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#86 (2009); #115 (2008); #79 (2007); #79 (2006); #87 (2005);