FASTSIGNS
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees (£29,500)
Average annual revenue
A snapshot of yearly performance
The Concept
- Year of creation
- 1996
A B2B sign and graphics centre, run as a management business in a protected territory
FASTSIGNS produces signs, graphics and visual communications for businesses, from banners and labels to digital signage and large-scale installations, with content development, design and project management included. The brand was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1985 by Gary Salomon and Bob Schanbaum, began franchising in 1986 and arrived in the UK in 1996. Its UK operations team is based in Stafford.
The company presents the franchise as a management opportunity: the franchisee leads a team of signage specialists from a fully equipped centre, serving business customers across an exclusive, protected territory. For large structural or digital projects, centres can draw on a vetted network of preferred suppliers.
A management franchise with support from Dallas and the UK
No signage experience is required, and team management experience is helpful but not essential. New franchisees complete the Foundations training course in Dallas, then receive ongoing mentoring and support from both the global headquarters and the UK team, including site selection, financial planning, a website, Google Business Profile, a Google Ads campaign and social media set-up.
Alongside new centres, FASTSIGNS offers a co-brand route for existing businesses that want to add signs and graphics, and a conversion route for independent sign companies. The company says prime territories are available across the UK and works with high street banks and specialist lenders to fund up to 70% of the total investment for qualified candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a FASTSIGNS franchise cost in the UK?
FASTSIGNS puts total set-up costs at £134,000 to £169,000, depending on location. That covers liquid capital, the £29,500 franchise fee, three months’ rent on the centre, the opening equipment package, first-year marketing, and training including flights and accommodation in Dallas. Candidates need £36,000 of liquid capital.
What royalties does a FASTSIGNS franchisee pay?
A royalty of 4% of annual sales, net of VAT, in the first year, rising to 7% from the second year, according to FASTSIGNS.
How much does a FASTSIGNS centre make?
FASTSIGNS reports a network average turnover in excess of £450,000, with expected net profit margins of 18% to 22%. Its top-performing centres generate annual sales of around £1.2 million, which reflects the best of the network rather than a typical centre.
Can you get funding for a FASTSIGNS franchise?
Yes. FASTSIGNS works with major high street banks and specialist lenders to fund up to 70% of the total investment for qualified candidates, and its UK team helps with lender introductions and the business plan.
Do you need signage experience to open a FASTSIGNS franchise?
No. FASTSIGNS describes its franchise as a management opportunity. Experience of managing a team helps but is not essential, and the Foundations training covers what you need to know about the signage industry.
Where does FASTSIGNS training take place?
Yes. FASTSIGNS offers a conversion route for independent sign businesses and a co-brand route for existing businesses that want to add signs and graphics to their range.
How long has FASTSIGNS been in the UK?
FASTSIGNS was founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1985, began franchising in 1986 and reached the UK in 1996.
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