becoming a
franchisee

faqs

Please click on one of the questions to see the answers

1. How does the franchising model work?

Business format franchising is the granting of a license by one person (the franchisor) to another (the franchisee), which entitles the franchisee to trade under the trade mark/trade name of the franchisor. As a franchisee you make use of an entire package, comprising all the elements necessary to establish a previously untrained person in the business and to run it with continual assistance on a predetermined basis.

Signs Express is a management franchise opportunity, where as a franchisee you are required to manage the running of your own business within the guidelines and adherence of the Signs Express franchise system. Take a look at the franchising with signs express section to read about Signs Express’ history and experience.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a franchisee rather than starting a standalone business?

• You don't have to come up with a new idea - someone else has already tested the business formula. Signs Express has been established since 1989 and has over 80 franchise territories allocated throughout the UK & Ireland.
• Larger, well-established franchise operations like Signs Express have national advertising campaigns and a solid trading name for brand presence and recognition.
• Good franchisors will offer comprehensive training programmes in sales and indeed all business skills. Signs Express holds an initial four week training course for all new franchisees but also regularly organises training for franchisees and their staff.
• Signs Express has excellent supplier relationships and can help negotiate good discount levels for franchisees.
• An experienced support team at head office acts like extra members of staff for your business, skilled in business areas like HR, accounts, IT, technical support and sales and marketing.
• You are able to combine national best practice with local ownership. Customers will understand you will be offering the best possible value for money and service - although you run your 'own show', you are part of a much larger national franchise company.

3. What is the sign industry like?

The market for signs and graphics is very buoyant and growing year on year as more businesses realise the importance of image and first impressions. On average a person sees over 400 signs a day. Signs are used in all walks of life and can be temporary or permanent depending on client needs.

Signs Express provides a one-stop shop to businesses of all different sizes and industry types – from a single van to a national re-brand co-ordinated via our national accounts department. Every business needs signs.

There are a wide variety of materials available and Signs Express has excellent supplier relationships to achieve preferential discount structures to ensure the best value and service to our customers. For more information visit the British Sign & Graphics Association website or contact us.

4. How much investment is needed?

Typically we would expect you to provide at least one third of the total capital requirement which equates to £32,500. The rest can usually be funded by bank finance. The total investment required is £90,000 which includes all set up costs and working capital for the first year. For further information please visit our investment section for more detailed information.

5. What fees are involved?

The franchise fee, for a territory licence of ten years, is £21,000 and is included within the total capital requirement and costs breakdown found within our prospectus. For a detailed prospectus please contact us.

Each month a management service charge fee of 7.5% of your turnover and a 1.5% national promotional fund levy are payable. Visit the investment section for more information.

6. What does the national promotional fund levy cover?

Anything to do with the promotion of Signs Express nationally is financed through the national promotional fund. This includes but is not exclusive to: website and website promotion, yell.com advertising, trade press advertising, corporate literature design, advertising design and our annual desktop calendars.

7. What profit levels should be expected?

We provide you with an illustration of projected budget figures, based on an average centre. Signs Express is a proven business formula and we have very high levels of success. These figures are provided as guidance but your success will ultimately depend on your hard work and enterprise. Franchisees often exceed projected levels.

For more information please contact us for a prospectus.

8. What training and support is available?

Signs Express offers excellent training and support. Each franchisee receives a four week training course when they first join us and are then regularly invited to attend training sessions and regional meetings to ensure all our franchisees are kept up-to-date with developments within the industry as well as business skills and practices. Signs Express has a dedicated team of over 25 individuals based at its head office which assist with ongoing support and advice in all areas of the business. Visit our training and support section to find out more.

9. How do I apply?

All prospective franchisees need to fill in an application form, which can be completed online or through the post. Please contact us for a prospectus which will include an application form for you to fill in and return. Or you can apply online

10. What is the recruitment process?

After we have received your application form and determine that there is an available territory within your chosen area, we will invite you to visit our head office and pilot production unit based in Norwich, UK. If you are based in Ireland, you will be asked to attend an initial meeting with our franchisee in Kilbarrack, Dublin, Seán Kelly. We can then find out more about you and this also gives you an opportunity to find out more about us and ask any questions you may have. Subject to a satisfactory meeting, we will confirm in writing the territory details along with a copy of our franchise agreement for you to read.

Visit our territory availability page to see what areas are available. Please do still contact us if your chosen area is taken as from time to time, a franchisee may decide to sell their business if there is interest from a third party. We have a select few areas where the franchisee is looking to retire or change their lifestyle after building up the business, please visit our resales page to find out more.

11. Who is best to contact for financial or legal advice?

Before going ahead with a franchise, you should always seek legal advice from a franchise specialist to ensure you are happy with all parts of the franchise agreement. We can recommend some to you or alternatively you can visit the British Franchise Association website or Irish Franchise Association website to find recommended franchise solicitors. Signs Express is well known to all of the franchising departments of major banks, visit our investment section to find out more.

12. How long does it take from signing to opening the centre's doors?

This is obviously dependent on finding satisfactory premises and your own plans for establishing the business. After the training course, your light industrial unit will be fitted out, staff recruited and the business established. On average this takes around three months but can be more or less depending on individual circumstances.

13. How many staff are needed to set up?

When the business first starts, you will employ two sign makers – one experienced and one trainee and a part time telemarketer/administration assistant within the business. Franchisees do not need sign industry experience as sign makers carry out the majority of manufacturing work; although training is provided during the Signs Express training course. Franchisees are required to manage the running of the business and will be involved in all aspects of promoting the business, especially within the start up period.

As the business gets more established, franchisees often take on more sign making staff and head office can advise on when and how this process should take place. Visit our case studies to read about franchisees first hand experiences.

14. Is sign experience essential?

No, as a management franchise, you will employ experienced sign makers to carry out work, with you managing and promoting the business. As part of our training programme you will also learn all aspects of the sign making trade so that you are able to confidently talk to customers. Visit becoming a franchisee to find out more.

For more information please contact us for a franchise prospectus.

Interested ? Contact Tony Marsh on