WILL I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO EXISTING FRANCHISE OWNERS? Yes. You will receive a list of all of our existing owners and their phone numbers. You are encouraged to speak with several of our franchise owners as part of your due diligence. DOES FASTSIGNS OFFER FINANCING? FASTSIGNS does not provide direct financing. However, we have aligned ourselves with most of the UK banks. FASTSIGNS will help you choose the right lender for you and introduce you to the Franchise Department of each bank. HOW LONG IS THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT? CAN I RENEW IT? The current initial term of the Franchise Agreement is 10 years. At the end of 10 years, a renewal term may be available. CAN I SELL MY CENTRE? Yes, subject to the Franchise Agreement. This is a typical exit strategy, you may even consider bringing in a partner who can naturally take over. WHAT WILL MY CENTRE RESALE BE WORTH? Your resale price will depend on multiple factors. Your business would be valued by an accountant and business transfer agent. Often the worth is arrived at by the value of the assests plus a muliplier of profit. This will vary according to each indivdual centre. HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO EARN? Your earnings capability will depend on a number of factors—such as your location, the amount of time you spend in the business, your sales acumen, as well as the market conditions. Naturally, as in any business venture there is no guarantee of your success or profitability. We do, however, give you the benefit of a well-organised and proven concept, refined by our many years of experience. HOW MUCH ARE THE ONGOING FEES? There is a 7% royalty based on monthly sales (excluding VAT) and a 2% Central Marketing Fund fee, also based on monthly sales (excluding VAT). IS THERE A NATIONAL ADVERTISING FUND AND HOW DO I BENEFIT FROM IT? Yes. The monthly fee is 2% of sales (excluding VAT). The Central Marketing Fund is a board made up of FASTSIGNS franchise owners. The entity manages and implements a wide array of marketing initiatives designed to build the FASTSIGNS brand name. OTHER THAN THE ROYALTY AND CENTRAL MARKETING FUND FEES, ARE THERE ANY OTHER “HIDDEN” FEES THAT I WOULD PAY? No. There may be fees associated with annual conventions or additional trainings. Any such fees are clearly identified in our Operations Manuals. DOES FASTSIGNS ASSIST ME IN FINDING A LOCATION AND NEGOTIATING A LEASE? Yes. FASTSIGNS provides extensive site selection support and analysis. This includes market and demographic analysis, property consultant coordination, site survey trip, site evaluations, lease review and negotiation assistance, architectural plans, contractor quote review and coordination, etc. DOES FASTSIGNS HAVE EXCLUSIVE TERRITORIES? Yes. FASTSIGNS knows it is important to recognise established client relationships. As such, we award territories with a minimum of 4,000 businesses. The territory will be defined by Postcodes. Once we have agreed on the territory for your centre, you have the peace of mind, that without significant change to the demographics in your area, FASTSIGNS cannot award another FASTSIGNS location in your territory for the term of your Franchise Agreement. HOW LONG AFTER I SIGN A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, BEFORE MY NEW FASTSIGNS WILL BE OPEN? It depends on various factors (lease negotiations, New Owner Training completion, build out time, etc.) but on average you will be open 120-150 days after signing a Franchise Agreement. DOES FASTSIGNS REQUIRE THAT I HAVE A GRAPHICS OR TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND? No. On the contrary, we would prefer individuals with sales, marketing and operations backgrounds. The FASTSIGNS business is a sales and marketing business. Emphasis on developing client relationships and outstanding customer service is a key ingredient to achieving positive results with a FASTSIGNS centre. CAN I BE A PASSIVE OWNER/INVESTOR OF A FASTSIGNS? Not initially. We have found it is very important for you to be involved in the business full time. Of course, as your business matures and your staff develops, you may have great flexibility in your operational role. HOW MUCH IS THE INITIAL FRANCHISE FEE AND WHAT DO I GET FOR IT? The initial franchise fee is £16,500 and includes the following: Use of one of the most widely recognised brand names in the franchise sign industry 3 weeks of initial New Owner Training Up to 2 weeks of on-site Grand Opening Training Extensive first year marketing strategy developed specifically for your market FASTSIGNS® design and construction package Site selection and lease negotiation assistance Complete Operations and Marketing systems Exclusive territory Complete set of Operations Manuals And More... Click here for more information.