Personally I have mixed feelings about the franchise option. I have known multiple sign makers who made ABSOLUTELY beautiful signs...top of our craft level of work, however, they were unable to earn the level of income that they were deserving of. I've known others who were very capable of making any type of sign that we all encounter on a regular basis in a commercial sign shop, but they never put the time into putting the systems into place to consistently price their work, build their own brand and continuously advertise and grow their operation...they simply did not possess those skills and as a one or two man operation it can be / no it is very difficult to do all of the things necessary to truly build your business. For many becoming a franchisee is an option worth considering, with that said I would look very CLOSELY into the various franchises that are available and the benefits of each...and further more please do not take this as me recommending becoming a franchisee because it is NOT what I would recommend for the majority of business owners..however, for the right person after doing a complete business plan as an independent company and as a franchise and making a list comparing the pro's and con's it can be a good fit for the right person.
There are many in our trade that create 'jobs' for themselves versus creating 'businesses', if you are incapable of impelementing the systems, policies, practices, routines, etc., to create a business that is not dependent on you as the owner to operate from moment to moment and requires your decision for every little item that arises a franchise may be an option OR take the time to create a complete business and operating plan and put it into practice.
The other obvious benefit of buying into the franchise model is brand recognition and being identified as a well established company. With a good plan this can be overcome in time and personally I would rather be recognized and judged on my own work, etc., but this can be the fast track to brand recognition...but again there is a large market segment who prefers to do business with smaller, non chain/franchise, companies..it all comes down to your own goals, dreams, desires, needs, plan and drive...if you are motivated and have a good plan and work your plan, you will succeed either way...and some people will fail even if they are given the best tools available, all the training under the sun, and buckets and buckets of money to get them going and keep their doors open...I personally know no short cuts, it all takes work and if I've learned anything the harder and smarter I work, the more I succeed.
I see a wide range of speculation in regards to franchise fees/specifically Fastsigns fees in this topic...why not go straight to the source and get the real numbers
http://www.fastsigns.com/FranchiseOpportunities/Conversion
