Business Services

FASTSIGNS Franchise Review

Business Services / Signs and Graphics / Visual Communications

Creative Lifestyle Under $500K
Investment Range
$231,225 to $386,285
Ongoing Royalty
6%
Ideal Owner
Owner-Operator / B2B Sales Professional / Corporate Executive / Business Management Professional / Growth-Focused Entrepreneur
Industry
Business Services / Signs and Graphics / Visual Communications
Available In
In Most States

What is FASTSIGNS Franchise Review?

FASTSIGNS is an internationally recognized business-to-business franchise specializing in custom signs, graphics, visual communications, and branding solutions.

Founded in 1985, FASTSIGNS helps businesses, organizations, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial customers communicate their messages through professional visual marketing products.

Its services include building signs, banners, vehicle graphics, digital signage, wall graphics, trade show displays, architectural signage, and comprehensive branding solutions.

The franchise operates through a business-to-business model that emphasizes customer relationships, sales, project management, graphic design, production, and installation.

As part of the Propelled Brands family, FASTSIGNS offers comprehensive training, established operating systems, marketing resources, supplier relationships, and ongoing business support.

With more than 775 locations worldwide, FASTSIGNS offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a professional visual communications business serving a broad range of industries.

Investment Snapshot

The estimated initial investment for a new FASTSIGNS franchise ranges from $231,225 to $386,285.

The standard initial franchise fee is $49,750.

Qualified candidates should have approximately $80,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $300,000.

The standard ongoing royalty is 6% of gross sales, with an additional 2% national advertising fund contribution.

The investment includes expenses associated with equipment, technology, facility improvements, signage, initial marketing, and working capital.

FASTSIGNS offers several ownership opportunities, including opening a new center, purchasing an existing franchise, converting an independent sign business, or adding FASTSIGNS services to an existing complementary business.

Qualified veterans and first responders may receive a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee.

The franchisor also provides access to financing resources through established lending relationships.

Company History

FASTSIGNS was founded in 1985 in Dallas, Texas, by entrepreneurs Gary Salomon and Bob Schanbaum.

The founders recognized an opportunity to provide businesses with professional signs and graphics using emerging computerized sign-making technology.

The original concept focused on producing quality signage quickly and efficiently, helping local businesses communicate their messages and promote their brands.

FASTSIGNS began franchising in 1986 and expanded rapidly as demand for professional signage and visual communications increased.

Over the years, the company expanded beyond traditional signs to offer vehicle wraps, architectural graphics, digital displays, interior décor, trade show materials, promotional products, and comprehensive visual marketing solutions.

FASTSIGNS became part of Propelled Brands, a franchise organization supporting business services and visual communications brands.

Today, FASTSIGNS operates an international network of more than 775 centers and continues developing technology, products, training programs, and business support resources for its franchise owners.

Who This Is Best For

FASTSIGNS may appeal to entrepreneurs interested in building a business-to-business company serving local businesses and organizations.

The franchise is particularly suited to individuals with backgrounds in sales, marketing, corporate management, operations, customer service, or business development.

Owners do not need previous experience in sign manufacturing or graphic design because the franchisor provides comprehensive training and established operating systems.

The business may appeal to corporate professionals who enjoy developing customer relationships, managing employees, and helping businesses achieve their marketing objectives.

Entrepreneurs with strong networking skills and an interest in developing long-term commercial accounts may find the model especially attractive.

FASTSIGNS may also appeal to owners of existing printing, graphics, and related businesses who are interested in expanding their services through a recognized franchise brand.

Training and Support

FASTSIGNS provides a comprehensive initial training program designed to prepare new franchise owners for business operations.

The training program includes approximately four weeks of preparation, combining hands-on experience, classroom instruction, and on-site support.

Training covers sales, marketing, customer service, production management, graphic design processes, estimating, project coordination, financial management, and daily operations.

Franchise owners receive assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, facility design, equipment planning, and opening preparation.

The franchisor provides a customized first-year marketing strategy and support for grand opening promotions.

FASTSIGNS University offers online educational resources and continuing training for owners and employees.

Ongoing support includes dedicated business consultants, marketing assistance, technology resources, sales development programs, and access to the company's established franchise network.

Financing Options

Qualified FASTSIGNS franchise candidates may explore financing programs to assist with their initial investment.

FASTSIGNS maintains relationships with third-party financing providers, including ApplePie Capital, to help eligible franchise candidates evaluate business funding options.

Potential financing arrangements include SBA-backed business loans, conventional commercial financing, equipment financing, and other approved funding structures.

Financing may help cover eligible expenses such as franchise fees, production equipment, facility improvements, technology, marketing, and working capital.

The franchisor also offers specialized financing arrangements for certain existing business conversion and co-branding opportunities.

Candidates should discuss current financing programs, down payment requirements, and lender qualifications directly with FASTSIGNS and participating financial institutions.

Financing approval and terms depend on individual qualifications and lender policies.

Investment Overview

Costs and fees at a glance

All investment figures are estimates based on publicly available information.

Total Investment Range
$231,225 to $386,285
Varies by package
Franchise Fee
$49,750
Ongoing Royalty Fee
6%
Liquid Capital Needed
$80,000
Net Worth Requirement
$300,000
Veteran Discount
Available

Financial and franchise information is based on publicly available franchisor materials and 2026 franchise investment information and is subject to change. Prospective franchise owners should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document, particularly Items 5, 6, 7, 19, and 20, for complete details regarding investment requirements, recurring fees, financial performance representations, and franchise system information. Specific fees and investment requirements may differ for new centers, existing franchise acquisitions, business conversions, and co-branded locations. Actual business results vary according to location, customer relationships, sales volume, staffing, operating expenses, and management. Financing availability depends on individual qualifications and lender approval.

States Available

In Most States

Watch the overview

SW

Advisor Insight: Is FASTSIGNS Franchise Review a Good Business?

An independent assessment from your franchise consultant

Steve Warres, Franchise Consultant

FASTSIGNS is a franchise I find particularly interesting because it combines business-to-business sales with a broad range of products and services that companies regularly need.

Having owned and operated businesses for more than 35 years, I appreciate a business model built around developing long-term customer relationships rather than relying entirely on individual retail transactions.

Businesses need signage and visual communications for new locations, promotions, rebranding, vehicle identification, special events, and ongoing marketing activities. This creates opportunities for repeat business and relationships with companies across many different industries.

Another aspect I like is that franchise owners do not need previous sign-making or graphic design experience. Owners can concentrate on sales, management, customer relationships, and business development while building a team with the necessary technical skills.

The extensive FASTSIGNS franchise network, established training programs, and support from Propelled Brands are additional advantages worth exploring.

For someone with a corporate, sales, marketing, or management background who enjoys building professional relationships, FASTSIGNS may be an excellent franchise to consider.

As I always say, there is no best franchise, only the best franchise for you.

What I Like Most
  • FASTSIGNS has an established business history dating back to 1985.
  • The franchise serves businesses and organizations across numerous industries.
  • Its broad product offering includes traditional signage, vehicle graphics, digital displays, architectural graphics, and promotional materials.
  • The business-to-business model provides opportunities for repeat orders and long-term customer relationships.
  • Franchise owners can focus on sales, management, and business development while trained employees handle design and production.
  • The franchisor provides comprehensive training, technology, marketing resources, and ongoing business coaching.
  • The international franchise network offers opportunities for collaboration and sharing best practices.
  • Qualified veterans and first responders may receive a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee.
  • Existing sign and printing businesses may qualify for conversion or co-branding opportunities.
What to Understand Before You Invest
  • Prospective owners should explore the number and types of businesses, commercial developments, schools, healthcare facilities, and organizations within their proposed territory.
  • Understanding local demand for signs, graphics, vehicle wraps, digital displays, and branding services can help candidates develop an effective business development strategy.
  • Candidates should discuss the recommended staffing structure, equipment requirements, production capabilities, and opportunities for commercial account development.
  • Learning from established franchise owners can provide valuable insight into customer acquisition, repeat business, project management, and opportunities for business growth.

Questions I Would Ask the Franchisor

What financial performance information is available in Item 19?
What does the initial training program include?
How does FASTSIGNS assist owners with developing business-to-business accounts?
What percentage of sales typically comes from repeat customers?
What are the most popular products and services offered by established centers?
How does the franchisor assist with site selection and equipment planning?
What staffing structure is recommended for a new location?
What technology systems are provided for estimating, production, and project management?
What opportunities exist for acquiring an existing FASTSIGNS franchise?
How do the conversion and co-branding programs work?
What financing programs are available to qualified candidates?

Bottom line: FASTSIGNS offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a business-to-business company specializing in signs, graphics, branding, and visual communications.

With a history dating back to 1985, an extensive international franchise network, and comprehensive support from Propelled Brands, FASTSIGNS combines an established brand with training, technology, marketing resources, and ongoing operational guidance.

Its broad product offering, repeat customer opportunities, and relationship-driven business model may appeal to individuals with backgrounds in sales, marketing, management, and business development.

For entrepreneurs interested in helping businesses communicate their brands while building long-term professional relationships, FASTSIGNS is a franchise worth exploring.

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