Business Description

SIGNS FIRST is the only franchise with over 25 years sign industry experience. We specialize in computer-generated, one-day temporary and permanent signs for retail, professional and commercial businesses on a cash and carry basis. Franchisee support is unparalleled with comprehensive training, on-going technological support and marketing assistance.

Franchisor Background

Year Established:  1966

Franchising Since:  1989

Operating Units:
Franchised Units:	33	100%
Company-Owned Units:	0	0%
Total Operating Units:	33	100.0%
Geographic Distribution: U.S.: 33 100% In 0 States Canada: 0 0% In 0 Canadian Provinces International: 0 0% In 0 Foreign Countries   Total: 33 100.0%

North America:
States/Provinces with the largest number of operating units:

Density	Units
1. Colorado	3
2. Mississippi	12
3. Tennessee	13

Registered in Following Registration States: Florida

Financial Requirements

Investment:
Minimum Net Worth:	$250K
Cash Investment:	$20K
Total Investment:	$20-65K
Average Total Investment:	$42K
Fees:
Initial Franchise Fee:	$10-15K
Average Franchise Fee:	$12K
On-Going Royalty:	6%
Average Royalty:	6%
Advertising Fee:	0%

Average Number of Employees: 2 Full-time, 0 Part-time

Space Needs (in square footage): 1,500

Preferred Sites: Free-standing Building, Storefront, Strip Center, Regional Mall

Other Sites:

Encourage Conversions? Yes

Earnings Claims Provided?: No

Franchisee Qualifications
Ranked from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (important):
Financial Net Worth:	3
General Business Experience:	4
Specific Industry Experience:	3
Formal Education:	1
Psychological Profile:	3
Personal Interview(s):	5
Terms of Contract
Term of Initial Contract:	10 Year(s)
Term of Renewal Period:	10 Year(s)
Passive Ownership:	Allowed, But Discouraged
Area Development Agreements?	Yes, for 1 Year(s)
Sub-Franchising Contracts?	No
Franchisees Allowed to Expand Within Territory?	Yes
Support and Training
International Franchise Association:	No
Canadian Franchise Association:	No
Franchisee Association/Member:	No
Size of Corporate Staff:	6
Site Selection Assistance?	Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance?	Yes
Financial Assistance?	N/A
Marketing Support:
Co-Op Advertising:	No
National Advertising:	No
Regional Advertising:	No
Local Advertising:	No
Marketing Materials:	None Specified
Additional Services:	None Specified
Other Marketing Support:	None Specified
On-Going Support:
Central Data Processing:	Not Applicable
Central Purchasing:	Included in Fees
Field Operation Evaluation:	Included in Fees
Field Training:	Included in Fees
Initial Store Opening:	Included in Fees
Inventory Control:	Included in Fees
Franchisee Newsletter:	Included in Fees
Regional or National Meetings:	Not Applicable
800 Telephone Hotline:	Included in Fees
Training:
1. Memphis, TN	2 Weeks
2. Store	1 Week + Follow-Up Visit
Expansion Plans
Projected New Units Over Next 12 months: 5 U.S.: Yes, All United States Canada: No Overseas: No	Request Franchisor Info   Submit an online form to receive information from Signs First.