FASTSIGNS International, Inc goes on growing at an impressive pace, with franchised outlets spring up the world over
With a proven business model, international brand recognition, and unparalleled training and support, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. has remained on the cutting-edge of its industry. Ever since FASTSIGNS first opened its doors back in 1985, the brand has recognized the need to continue growing alongside the industry to stay profitable and successful.
That commitment has allowed FASTSIGNS to develop into a highly-adaptable company, providing visual marketing solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of its franchisees and customers.
Recently, FASTSIGNS opened its first location in Chile following the signing of a Master Franchise Agreement with sign company NEOMARK to expand in Chile earlier this year. The full-service sign business based in Santiago, Chile, plans to open five additional locations throughout Santiago.
“Although we are a family company with many years in the graphics industry, we can always be better. FASTSIGNS showed us that they are able to help us strengthen our business to take it to the next level, with growth potential even outside our country,” said Gonzalo Alcayaga Granic of NEOMARK. “We believe that the mix between the power and experience of the FASTSIGNS brand and the NEOMARK team will be the perfect formula to develop a very successful business in Chile, and perhaps South America.”
Today, FASTSIGNS has nearly 700 independently owned and operated centers in ten countries including the U.S., Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Chile, Malta, and Australia.
Linda Sultmann and Dean Rowland are the Master Franchisee in Australia for FASTSIGNS — where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®.
Prior to becoming a Master Franchisee with FASTSIGNS, Linda was a business consultant for the brand in Australia. After learning about all of the tools and resources FASTSIGNS offers to their international partners, they decided to transition from business consultants to Master Franchisees to help catapult expansion throughout the country. Below Sultmann has shared her experience as a Master Franchisee with the brand.
When did you become a Master Franchisee with FASTSIGNS?
We signed the master license in Australia in December 2013.
How many FASTSIGNS centers are operating throughout Australia?
Earlier this year, we celebrated the opening of two centers, bringing the total number of FASTSIGNS centers throughout the country to 17. Currently we are targeting the capital of Queensland, Brisbane, for expansion.
When it comes to expansion, what is your strategy?
Over the years, many businesses suffered as a result of the declining print industry in Australia. So we’ve targeted small business owners who want to offer customers a wider array of services and products, while leveraging being a part of an internationally recognized brand.
FASTSIGNS has helped many small business owners co-brand or convert their existing business to set them up for longevity and success. And the entire business model is focused on business-to-business sales, with high margins, low staff, and Monday-through-Friday operations.
What kind of support does FASTSIGNS offer franchisees?
As a previous business consultant, I’ve worked with many companies across various industries. The quality, thorough training and support offered by FASTSIGNS is unlike any other.
From both the standpoint of a Master Franchisee and franchisee, the success of each individual in the company is a true testament to the level of support provided. That was one of the most attractive points when deciding to become a Master Franchisee with FASTSIGNS.
Training is very extensive for all new franchisees. They attend a two-week training in Dallas, Texas. Our corporate team members are always accessible and assist with the opening of any new, co-brand, or conversion center by being in-center the first two weeks.
One aspect that franchisees immediately benefit from is brand recognition. They have access to an ad fund that is over 2.5 times greater than our next largest competitor, access to a nationwide network of franchisees, and access to top-of-the-line training and support.
What has been your greatest success since becoming a Master Franchisee with FASTSIGNS?
Since we signed to become a Master Franchisee with the brand, customer satisfaction has always been a priority. We enroll in a customer survey program called Listen 360 where customers are surveyed after working with our centers. Back in 2014, the customer satisfaction was 70 percent and today we are at 84 percent. The 14-point increase is a direct correlation of the training offered to franchisees and employees. We’re able to deliver a high level of satisfaction to customers across the country.
FASTSIGNS: The Numbers
The total investment to open a FASTSIGNS in the U.S. Is between $193,548 and $289,639 USD, which includes a $47,500 franchise fee. The minimum requirements for prospective franchisees include $80,000 in available capital and a $300,000 net worth. FASTSIGNS per-center gross sales average for a full-service FASTSIGNS center is the best in the industry, by far, at $777,594.*
For any existing business looking to expand into the fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.
When pursuing international opportunities, FASTSIGNS understands that flexibility is a core component. The corporate team has several structures in place that allow its partners the opportunity to develop their market in a way that is the most beneficial for them and their market. The Master Franchisee structure allows candidates the rights to their market in which they must meet specific requirements and keep up with certain thresholds. A Master Franchisee can sub franchise to local entrepreneurs in their market.
FASTSIGNS has experienced explosive international growth over the last year, including opening 43 locations in the U.S. and Canada, three in the U.K., and two in Australia. The brand is continuing to grow in Australia and is seeking franchisees with a particular focus on its co-brand and conversion franchise programs. The brand is also targeting international expansion in New Zealand and is recruiting a Master Franchisee candidate to help develop centers throughout the country.
In 2017, the Famalco Group became a Master Franchisee with FASTSIGNS to open 16 new centers throughout Malta, Italy, and Greece. FASTSIGNS is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in markets throughout the world, including Brazil, Quebec, North Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America.
*per FASTSIGNS 04.30.2018 Franchise Disclosure Document, (FDD) and other sign franchises that disclose sales information in their FDDs.
Why You Should Consider a Master Franchise with FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS is an internationally recognized brand and the largest sign, graphics, and visual communications franchisor in North America.
The per-center gross sales average for a full-service FASTSIGNS center is the best in the industry, by far, at $777,594*
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 70 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2018 Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking.
FASTSIGNS has been recognized for its Franchise Satisfaction for more than 10 years by Franchise Business Review. Including taking top in its category in 2018.
AT A GLANCE
Name of franchise: FASTSIGNS International, Inc.
Established: 1985
Number of franchised outlets: Almost 700
Location of units: U.S., Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Chile, Malta, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).
Investment range: $193,548 and $289,639USD; Master Franchise: $300,000 USD – $750,000 USD
Minimum required capital: $80,000 USD; Master Franchise: $1 million+ USD
Web: www.fastsigns.com
Contact: Mark Jameson, mark.jameson@fastsigns.com Tel. +1 214-346-5679
