6. Costs & Criteria
The initial franchise fee to open a New Signs Now franchise in the United States is $35,000. This fee covers the use of the business systems, trademarks, marketing programs and methods of conducting the business. As a member of the VetFran initiative, Signs Now offers qualified veterans a 25% discount off of the initial franchise fee.
Additionally, we seek:
Prospective franchisees with a net worth of at least $400,000- Prospective franchisees with liquid assets of at least $100,000
More detailed Cost and Criteria information is available in our Download Kit, as well as in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Investment FAQs
Please click on a question below to learn more.
What is the initial investment required?
The estimated initial investment for a New Signs Now center ranges from $169,832 - $312,994. The estimated initial investment for a Signs Now MatchMaker™ center ranges from $201,826 - $333,322.
This is the estimated initial investment for opening a new Signs Now center. For detailed investment requirements for a Signs Now MatchMaker™ or a Signs Now Advantage™ center refer to Item 7 in the appropriate Franchise Disclosure Document.
This is the estimated initial investment for opening a new Signs Now center. For detailed investment requirements for a Signs Now MatchMaker™ or a Signs Now Advantage™ center refer to Item 7 in the appropriate Franchise Disclosure Document.
Do I have to start a Signs Now center from scratch?
No. You can get a significant head start by acquiring an existing business. Signs Now can help you purchase an existing Signs Now center whose owner is ready to exit or buy an independent sign business and convert it to the Signs Now model through our MatchMaker™ Program. Either strategy will provide you with significant advantages over a traditional start-up, sign-making franchise.
What if I have no prior experience in buying an existing business?
Signs Now has a highly experienced team of Mergers and Acquisitions professionals that will assist you in locating an independent businesses for sale and help you conduct the initial qualifying, financial analysis and valuation of the businesses. They will also provide you with the important guidance you need to conduct your due diligence, formulate a Letter of Intent, develop the Asset Purchase Agreement and finally take ownership of your new business.
What are the ongoing fees payable to Signs Now during the term of the franchise?
Signs Now receives a six percent (6%) royalty on your center’s gross sales receipts, including new products or services authorized for sale in your center by Signs Now. The royalty fee decreases to lower levels down to as low as 0% as various sales volume thresholds are achieved during each year. Signs Now collects an additional two percent (2%) marketing, advertising and promotions contribution in order to help subsidize a huge array of proven marketing programs, collaterals, creative support and promotional tools to help you attract and communicate with your customers. The marketing fees are capped at certain sales volume levels each year as well.
Does Signs Now provide any financing?
Signs Now does not provide financing directly. However, we have relationships with several extremely reputable national franchise finance companies that will consult with you and provide the guidance necessary to formulate the right funding strategy for your new sign franchise. If you are buying an existing business, seller financing is often used as more direct and less complicated option.
Our third party funding options may help you take advantage of a number of avenues including:
Our third party funding options may help you take advantage of a number of avenues including:
- SBA Financing
- Conventional Financing
- Rollover of Qualified Retirement Assets
- Seller Financing – MatchMaker™
Do I need sign or design experience to obtain a Signs Now franchise?
No. You will hire design and production focused employees to handle that work for you. A background in sales and marketing or project management is most helpful. As a Signs Now owner, your role is to work on the business and not in the business. A positive, service oriented attitude is also a key characteristic we look for in our franchisees.
Will I own my own center?
Yes. As a Signs Now franchisee, you are the business owner and you own the assets of your company. You are licensed by Signs Now to operate your center using all the resources and support systems that come with the franchise model.
What is the size of a Signs Now Center?
A new Signs Now graphics and signage center will range between 1,800 and 2,500 square feet.
How long does it take to get a Signs Now center open?
From the time you sign the franchise agreement, it takes approximately 90 – 120 days to work through the opening process and get your new site open for business.
How do I qualify for a franchise?
The process begins by connecting with a Franchise Development Manager who will take you through the Discovery and Approval steps required before Signs Now will award a franchise. The first step is simply to request information so that we may send you some meaningful materials to start your learning process.
The marketing programs have
been invaluable to the overall
success of our Signs Now
franchise. They have created
roadmaps to success that have
taken the mystery out of
marketing.
been invaluable to the overall
success of our Signs Now
franchise. They have created
roadmaps to success that have
taken the mystery out of
marketing.
