Signarama
Signarama offers full-service retail sign centers, specializing in signage solutions; known for creative and professional signs; part of the broader graphic design and printing industry.
About Signarama
Signarama is an international sign and advertising franchise working under the United Franchise Group. Founded in the US in 1986, it now has franchises in 13 countries, including France, French Guiana, and Australia. It has been named 249th in the 2018 top 500 Franchises in the US by Entrepreneur magazine. It also ranked third in the top franchise for veterans category for 2014-15 by Franchising USA. It possesses 387 US locations and 274 across the globe.
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Signarama franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Signarama sign center ranges from $245,432 to $344,768 for a standard equipment package and from $459,994 to $638,470 for an expanded equipment package. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a new Signarama franchise is $49,500, except that existing storeowners can pay a reduced fee of $39,500 for an additional outlet. Resale purchasers may pay either a one-time transfer/training fee of $39,500 or 10% of the sale price (whichever is greater), or the then-current fee at the time of resale from the proceeds of the sale. [p.17, p.26]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is 6% on annual gross sales up to $1,000,000 and 4% on any amount over that threshold [p.20]. For advertising, the franchisee must maintain a full-time marketing program, dedicating at least three hours per day to it either personally or through an employee [p.85]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for exact fees but implies significant effort and likely costs associated with the marketing activities.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The duration of the initial franchise agreement isn't specified in the excerpts. However, if you are a new franchisee, the term will be equal to the term being granted by Signarama to other new franchisees [p.88]. Regarding renewal, you would need to pay a renewal fee upon renewal, which is either $15,000 or 25% of the then-current initial franchise fee, whichever is greater [p.70], but this does not specify the conditions under which renewal can occur.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you cannot freely sell or transfer your franchise without the franchisor's permission, except for good cause. Good cause includes but is not limited to specific reasons determined by the franchisor [p.5]. This isn't specified in the excerpts regarding the conditions or process for selling or transferring a franchise.
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor may terminate the franchise agreement if the franchisee fails to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and does not cure such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure, which cannot exceed 30 days [p.5]. Additionally, termination can occur on any grounds available by law [p.206].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD focuses on the capital needed to cover ongoing expenses during the start-up phase, estimating it to be sufficient for up to six months but acknowledging that additional capital might be necessary. It does not provide specific requirements regarding net worth or liquid capital needed to qualify as a franchisee.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. You may face competition from other franchisees, from outlets that Signarama owns, or from other channels of distribution or competitive brands controlled by Signarama [p.46].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides an extensive two-week training program at their national headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, prior to opening the Signarama Center. This includes on-site training for 80 additional hours during setup. The Technology, Software and Support Fee also covers ongoing support such as SAR Connect, brand website hosting, updates, networking and security services, email accounts, and a financial KPI benchmarking tool [p.80, p.21].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does provide certain financial performance information in Item 19 of the Disclosure Document for calendar year 2025 based on reported sales data from existing centers. However, this information is not audited and may not be accurate for all centers [p.54]. The franchisor also has the capability to access remote EPOS data for business purposes, including compiling operating statistics and financial performance representations for prospective franchisees [p.84].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to offer and sell only goods that the franchisor has approved [p.50]. Additionally, you must buy the Equipment Package from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers they designate, as these items may be more expensive than similar items you could purchase on your own [p.3, p.31].