FASTSIGNS Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is a prominent franchisor in the sign and visual graphics industry, headquartered in Carrollton, Texas. The company was founded in 1985 and started franchising two years later in 1987.

FASTSIGNS is recognized as a leader in a market that is estimated to be worth around $29 billion, focusing on providing high-quality visual solutions that include custom signs, graphics, banners, and safety communications among other products. 

They differentiate themselves in the competitive landscape through a comprehensive suite of services and products that cater to various business needs from digital signs to traditional signage and interactive content solutions.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a FASTSIGNS franchise? It costs on average between $96,000 – $345,000 to start a FASTSIGNS franchise.

This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The total amount will vary based on factors like the type of location, geographic area, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property. Indeed, FASTSIGNS offers 3 types of franchises:

Type of FASTSIGNS CenterInitial Investment
Co-Brand FASTSIGNS Center$96,243 – $227,497
Conversion FASTSIGNS Center franchised business$103,393 – $241,060
Full-Service FASTSIGNS Center franchised business$248,083 – $344,624

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Full-Service FASTSIGNS Center franchised business. For more information on costs required to start a FASTSIGNS franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of ExpenditureAmount
Initial franchise fee$49,750 – $49,750
Leasehold improvements$35,767 – $63,519
Furniture & Fixtures$10,645 – $14,145
Deposits$875 – $6,352
Telephone & Networking$548 – $6,138
Décor and Graphics$1,330 – $1,783
Tools, Supplies and Substrate Cutter$11,744 – $12,202
Production Equipment$64,941 – $67,836
Commercial Display, Laser Measurement Solution, Chromebox$1,258 – $1,512
Center Management System Computer$5,146 – $5,675
Signage$2,202 – $7,879
Initial Inventory$2,530 – $2,530
Architectural Engineering$0 – $4,900
Initial Advertising$14,500 – $14,500
Travel, lodging, meals for initial training$2,110 – $3,939
Administrative Supplies$583 – $1,819
Business licenses and permits$100 – $3,395
Insurance deposits and premiums (first 3 months)$654 – $3,000
Professional Fees$3,399 – $8,750
Additional Funds$40,000 – $65,000
Total$248,083 – $344,624

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a FASTSIGNS franchise? A FASTSIGNS franchised business makes on average $786,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

FASTSIGNS FDD item 19 extract

This compares to $757,000 yearly revenue for similar printing & signage franchises.

Below are 10 FASTSIGNS competitors as a comparison:

FASTSIGNS franchise competitors

FASTSIGNS Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many FASTSIGNS locations are there?

As of the latest data, FASTSIGNS operates over 700 locations worldwide, encompassing both company-owned and franchised centers. The majority of these centers are independently owned and operated by franchisees.

What is the total investment required to open a FASTSIGNS franchise?

The total investment required to open a FASTSIGNS franchise ranges from $96,000 to $345,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a FASTSIGNS franchise?

FASTSIGNS franchisees pay a royalty fee of 3% of gross sales in the first year, increasing to 6% thereafter. They also contribute a 1% advertising fee in the first year, which rises to 2% in subsequent years. These fees support brand operations and marketing.

What are the financial requirements to become a FASTSIGNS franchisee?

To become a FASTSIGNS franchisee, candidates are required to have a minimum net worth of $300,000, with at least $80,000 available in liquid assets. These financial prerequisites ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to establish and operate a FASTSIGNS center effectively.

How much can a FASTSIGNS franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a FASTSIGNS franchise are approximately $0.79 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.79 million yearly revenue can result in $119,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns FASTSIGNS?

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is owned by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California. The firm acquired FASTSIGNS in July 2014. Catherine Monson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of FASTSIGNS, leading the company’s strategic direction and operations.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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