FAQs

  • Franchising

    • The initial franchise fee is $49,750* and includes the following and more:

      • Use of one of the most widely recognized brand names in the franchise sign industry
      • Four weeks of initial New Owner Training
      • One week of on-site Grand Opening Training
      • Extensive first year marketing strategy developed specifically for your market
      • FASTSIGNS® design and construction package
      • Site selection and lease negotiation assistance
      • Complete Operations and Marketing systems
      • Exclusive territory as described in the FDD
      • Complete set of Operations Manuals and best practice sharing

      *See item 7 of the current Franchise Disclosure Document.

    • The initial franchise agreement term is 10 years. At the end of the initial term, renewal options are available; each renewal term is also 10 years.
    • Key differentiators include:
      • 40+ years of franchising history and brand equity
      • #1 franchisee satisfaction ranking in the category for 14+ consecutive years
      • 1:6 corporate support ratio — the largest in the industry
      • B2B model with recurring commercial clients (not consumer-dependent)
      • Broad service portfolio beyond signs — consulting, digital, exhibits, project management
      • Exclusive territories with a minimum of 4,000 businesses
      • Reduced royalty reduction for conversion businesses in year one
      • Veterans program with 50% off franchise fee
      • Financing partnerships through Apple Pie Capital / SBA-backed programs
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  • Financial Performance

    • Per the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, FASTSIGNS centers reported the following performance benchmarks:
      • Average center sales: $1,088,585* (based on 690 centers)
      • Top quartile average center sales: $2,318,938* (based on 77 full-service centers)
      • Average owner benefit: 22.3%*
      • Top quartile owner benefit: 35.5%*
      Individual results vary based on location, time invested, sales ability, and market conditions. *Review Item 19 of the FDD for complete data, definitions, and assumptions.
    • FASTSIGNS is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing franchise systems in the country. Its B2B model, recurring client base, and broad service portfolio create strong revenue potential. The franchise has been recognized for franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review for 14 consecutive years (as of 2026), which speaks directly to owner profitability and overall satisfaction. Additionally, FASTSIGNS has been recognized in 2025 and 2026 by Franchise Business Review as a Most Profitable Franchise.
    • The signs and graphics industry is considered highly recession-resilient. Because every business, from startups to enterprise brands, needs signage and visual communications, demand remains relatively stable even during economic downturns. The shift toward digital signage and branded environments continues to drive new revenue streams for FASTSIGNS franchisees.
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  • Investment & Fees

    • The total estimated investment to open a new FASTSIGNS center ranges depending on location and buildout, but the initial franchise fee is $49,750*. This covers:
      • Two weeks of New Owner Training
      • One week of on-site Grand Opening Training
      • Site selection and lease negotiation assistance
      • A first-year marketing strategy
      • Operations manuals
      • An exclusive territory
      • The right to use the FASTSIGNS brand.
      *See Item 7 of the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for complete investment range details.

    • FASTSIGNS charges a 6%** royalty fee based on monthly gross sales, plus a 2%** National Advertising Fund fee, also based on monthly gross sales.

      **See Item 6 of the current FDD for complete details.

    • No. FASTSIGNS is transparent about all fees.

      There may be fees associated with annual conventions or additional training programs, but all such fees are clearly disclosed in the FDD and Operations Manuals.

    • Prospective FASTSIGNS franchisees are ideally positioned to qualify with $80,000 or more in liquid capital. This threshold helps ensure franchisees have sufficient working capital during the ramp-up phase of their business.
    • Yes. FASTSIGNS is one of a select number of franchise systems that offers financing through Apple Pie Capital, an SBA-backed lending program available exclusively to FASTSIGNS-approved franchisees. FASTSIGNS works with a variety of lenders to find customized financing solutions. Ask your Development Director about qualifying.
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  • Ownership Requirements

    • No prior experience in signs, graphics, or printing is required. FASTSIGNS actually prefers candidates with backgrounds in sales, marketing, operations, or management. The key competencies for success are the ability to build client relationships, lead a team, and manage a B2B sales operation. All technical skills are taught through FASTSIGNS' comprehensive training program.
    • The most successful FASTSIGNS franchisees tend to share these traits:
      • A sales and customer-service-oriented mindset
      • Strong leadership and team management skills
      • Passion for helping businesses succeed
      • Business acumen and operational discipline
      • Community involvement and networking ability
      • Willingness to follow a proven system
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  • Territory & Location

    • Yes. Each FASTSIGNS franchisee receives an exclusive territory containing a minimum of 4,000 businesses. Once your territory is established, FASTSIGNS will not award another location within that territory unless there is a significant demographic change. This protects your established client relationships and market position.
    • Yes. FASTSIGNS provides extensive site selection support, including market and demographic analysis, broker coordination, site evaluations, lease review and negotiation assistance, architectural plans, and contractor bid coordination. Franchisees are not left to navigate this process alone.
    • On average, franchisees open their FASTSIGNS center approximately eight months after signing the Franchise Agreement. Timelines can vary depending on lease negotiations, permitting, financing, New Owner Training completion, and buildout schedules.
    • FASTSIGNS has prime markets available across the United States, Canada, and internationally, including the United Kingdom and other global markets via Master Franchise agreements. Prospective franchisees can explore available territories at fsfastsigns.com/available-markets.
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  • Training & Support

    • The initial franchise fee includes a thorough training package:
      • Two weeks of New Owner Training at FASTSIGNS headquarters
      • One week of on-site Grand Opening Training at your location
      • Access to FASTSIGNS University, a 24/7 online education platform
      • An extensive first-year marketing strategy customized for your market
      • Ongoing field support from a dedicated support team
    • FASTSIGNS has over 120 corporate employees supporting 775+ franchisees — a better than 1:6 support-to-franchisee ratio, which is one of the largest support infrastructure in the sign franchise industry. Ongoing support includes operations, marketing, technology, sales development, and access to the FASTSIGNS franchisee network.
    • The FASTSIGNS National Advertising Fund is funded by a 2%** monthly gross sales fee from all franchisees. It is managed by the National Advertising Council, a board composed of FASTSIGNS franchise owners. The fund drives brand awareness campaigns, digital marketing, and national account programs including: large enterprise clients who are fulfilled locally by FASTSIGNS franchisees. This program directly drives incremental sales and visibility for individual center owners. **See item 6 of the FDD for additional information.
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  • Veterans & First Responders

    • Yes. FASTSIGNS is a proud VetFran member and offers 50% off the initial franchise fee for qualifying military veterans and first responders. This reflects FASTSIGNS' deep commitment to serving those who have served their communities and country. Additional incentives and benefits are also available through the Veteran & First Responders Program at fsfastsigns.com/own-a-fastsigns/veteran-first-responders-program.
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  • Convert Your Business

    • Converting your sign business to a FASTSIGNS center allows you to overcome the growth plateaus that independent owners often face. By joining the #1 ranked sign franchise, you gain immediate brand recognition, increased buying power with vendors, state-of-the-art technology, and highly effective local and national marketing support. You get to keep what's yours while leveraging our proven business model to maximize your profitability.
    • We make the conversion process highly accessible and cost-effective. FASTSIGNS will finance your franchise fee with only $15,000 down. Additionally, we offer scaled royalty programs specifically designed to help conversion franchisees successfully transition and grow their bottom line without overwhelming upfront costs.
    • Not at all. You remain an independent business owner, but you transition from operating on your own to operating with the support of a globally recognized brand. You maintain control of your daily operations, your team, and your localized customer relationships, all while utilizing FASTSIGNS’ tools, FASTSTART training, and business strategies to scale.
    • The process is transparent and highly supported. It begins with an initial inquiry and introductory call to learn about your current business. Next, we provide our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), connect you with existing franchisees for peer insight, and visit your location. Finally, we map out the specific costs for your conversion and introduce you to our Brand President and Chief Development Officer to strategize your launch.
    • Yes. FASTSIGNS has a dedicated conversion program for existing sign shop owners who want to leverage the FASTSIGNS brand, systems, and support network. The process includes an introductory call with a Development Director, a review of the FDD, a site visit, and a conversion cost analysis. Royalty fees are also reduced by 50% in the first year for conversions. See current FDD for more information.
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  • Selling Your Sign Business

    • No broker fees. We connect you directly with buyers, saving you significant commission costs on the sale. Your team is protected. FASTSIGNS franchisees value experienced staff. Your employees benefit from continuity and new growth opportunities. Your legacy lives on. Your customers continue receiving expert service from a trusted, nationally recognized brand. FASTSIGNS is the #1 ranked sign franchise in a growing industry; your business is in demand.

    • If you are ready to step out of the sign and graphics industry, FASTSIGNS can facilitate the sale of your business through an acquisition or conversion. Utilizing our "Book of Business" program, we connect you directly with our network of existing or potential FASTSIGNS franchisees. This ensures a smooth transition of ownership managed by experts in the sign and graphics industry. Our Development Director manages the entire process so you always have a clear point of contact.
    • We work with independent sign shops, print and graphics businesses, and visual communications companies. Whether you run a full-production facility or a smaller client-facing shop, our team will evaluate your business and let you know if it's a good fit for our network.
    • No. One of the biggest advantages of selling your business directly through FASTSIGNS is that you save entirely on broker commission costs, which can often exceed 10% if you try to market and sell your business independently. (Note: This applies unless you have already entered into an agreement with a hired broker).
    • We know your legacy matters. Selling to a FASTSIGNS franchisee means you are leaving your business in the hands of an established, globally recognized brand with a reputation for excellence. FASTSIGNS franchisees place a high value on experienced staff. In most cases, employees continue in their roles under the new ownership. Continuity of your team is an important part of what makes your business attractive to buyers, and we factor this into the transition plan.
    • Business valuation is discussed directly with our Development Director during the review phase. Factors typically include your annual revenue, customer base, equipment, lease terms, and staff. We recommend preparing 2–3 years of financial statements before your initial call to help streamline the conversation.

      1. Initial conversation: Connect with our Development Director for a no-obligation call. Tell us about your business: size, location, services, and goals.
      2. Business review & match: We review your business details and identify qualified FASTSIGNS franchisees in your area who may be a strong fit as buyers.
      3. Site visit & valuation discussion: Our team visits your location, walks through your operations, and discusses transition costs, terms, and next steps in detail.
      4. Transition & close: We support a smooth handoff, including customer communication, staff onboarding, and brand conversion, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
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  • Co-Brand Your Business

    • Co-branding allows you to add a FASTSIGNS center directly into your existing business footprint. Instead of struggling against declining demand in traditional industries, you can diversify your revenue streams by offering high-margin, highly sought-after digital signage and visual graphics. It’s an ideal way to modernize your business for the 21st century while instantly gaining a competitive advantage in your local market.
    • Absolutely not. When you co-brand with FASTSIGNS, you retain your original business identity and brand name. The FASTSIGNS franchise operates seamlessly alongside your current offerings, allowing you to expand your product lines, increase your average transaction size, and cross-sell to your existing customer base.
    • Co-branding is a fantastic opportunity for commercial businesses that want to expand their service offerings. We most frequently and successfully co-brand with independent commercial print shops, camera and photo processing stores, trophy and engraving businesses, embroidery shops, and pack-and-ship retail locations.
    • Adding a FASTSIGNS to your existing business requires a surprisingly small footprint. Our layouts are highly efficient and can fit into as little as 400 square feet of your current commercial space. Financially, you can transform your business space and join our franchise system with an initial investment of just $15,000 down.
    • Beyond diversifying your services, you immediately plug into the power of an industry leader. You gain access to a $15M+ national advertising fund, top-of-the-line operational training, ongoing franchisee support, and a nationwide network of peers. This structure allows you to scale your business much faster than attempting to launch a signage division on your own.
    • The FASTSIGNS co-brand program is designed for existing print, marketing, or adjacent businesses that want to add a FASTSIGNS branded revenue stream without fully converting their current business. This is an ideal path for print shops, marketing agencies, or commercial printers looking to expand their service offerings under a recognized brand.
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  • About FASTSIGNS

    • FASTSIGNS is the #1 franchise brand in the sign and graphics industry, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Carrollton, Texas. FASTSIGNS franchisees provide businesses with a comprehensive range of visual communications solutions - including signs, graphics, digital displays, banners, vehicle wraps, promotional products, interior décor, exhibits, and more. With 775+ locations across 7 countries and 40+ years of proven history, FASTSIGNS is recognized as the leading B2B franchise in the $29 billion signs and graphics industry.

    • FASTSIGNS centers offer a broad portfolio of visual communications products and services, including:

      • Interior and exterior signage
      • Vehicle wraps and fleet graphics
      • Banners, posters, and window graphics
      • Digital and interactive displays
      • Exhibit and trade show displays
      • Promotional products
      • Point-of-purchase displays
      • Corporate identity and branding solutions
      • Graphic design and content development
      • Project management, installation, and permitting
      • Printing and mailing
      • Brand compliance and surveying services

      FASTSIGNS functions as a full-service visual communications partner for businesses, not just a "sign shop."

    • FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985, giving the brand more than 40 years of franchising history. It is one of the most established and decorated franchise systems in the United States and internationally.
    • As of 2026, FASTSIGNS operates 775+ locations across 7 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with additional international master franchise territories available worldwide.
    • FASTSIGNS operates in the signs and graphics industry, which is valued at approximately $29 billion. Every business, regardless of size or sector, needs signage, making this a recession-resilient, always-in-demand market. FASTSIGNS is the #1 franchise brand in this category.
    • Yes. FASTSIGNS is part of the Propelled Brands portfolio, which also includes My Salon Suite and Camp Bow Wow. This multi-brand platform provides additional resources, shared infrastructure, and investment expertise that benefits FASTSIGNS franchisees.
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