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SIGN-A-RAMA
Signarama franchises operate full-service retail sign centers that produce, fabricate, install, and sell a wide variety of signage products including magnetic signs, banners, vinyl lettering, vehicle graphics, trade show displays, and electronic/neon signs. The business model leverages the franchisor's trademarks, proven procedures, and trade secrets to provide comprehensive sign solutions. Target customers primarily include businesses, industrial parks, retail centers, and large corporations in a mature market with increasing demand for advanced electronic signage.
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Franchise Costs
6% royalty (min $500/mo, 4% over $1M gross sales) + 1% marketing fund (min $880-$915/mo) + $741/mo (POS software + technology/support)
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: Data based on 313 franchised centers in the United States that were in operation for 2 years or more as of December 31, 2025, and properly reported sales for all 12 months in 2025. The centers are segmented by whether they employed a Full-Time outside sales person.
* Average gross revenue and median gross revenue were taken directly from the 'Total Centers' row in Table 1 on page 2. This value is consistent with the weighted average calculation based on the two segments (Centers with/without Full-Time Outside Sales Person). No explicit gross profit, net income, net profit, or EBITDA information, nor any expense data to estimate profit ranges, was provided.
Extracted Item 19 Section
Avg. Revenue: $916,066
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Unlock financial performance dataSIGN-A-RAMA Franchise Analysis
In the bustling world of business signage, Sign-A-Rama stands as a trailblazer that's shaped retail sign centers since 1987. With Item 19 laying bare revenue snapshots across its network and a robust SBA loan history signaling real-world financing paths, this franchise hints at steady demand from corporate clients craving everything from vinyl wraps to neon displays. Yet, in a market shifting toward digital innovation, can this established player deliver the returns that match its longevity?
Delving into FDD Item 7, the initial investment ranges from $245,432 to $344,768, covering build-out for a full-service sign production hub, with a $49,500 franchise fee upfront. Royalty hits 6% (minimum $500/month, dropping to 4% above $1M sales), plus 1% ad fund (min $880-$915/month) and $741/month for POS/tech support—fees that add up but support a proven operational blueprint under parent United Franchise Group. Item 19 shines brightly: average gross revenue clocks $916,066, though median at $592,916 reveals a wide performance spread, suggesting top operators thrive while others lag; no explicit profits disclosed, but these figures imply solid cash flow potential in high-traffic business districts.
System vitality shows 684 locations worldwide, with 24 projected new units signaling measured expansion amid 15 terminations and a healthy 48 transfers—far from distress signals. SBA data bolsters credibility: 158 loans averaging $309,009, but a 18.4% default rate warrants scrutiny, higher than some peers and tied to operational risks. Litigation centers on fee disputes and non-compliance, per FDD notes, underscoring the need to align with franchisor standards. For buyers eyeing business services, Sign-A-Rama offers scale in a $10B+ signage market, but success hinges on location savvy and sales hustle to beat that median revenue.
Analysis based on the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. All figures should be independently verified before making investment decisions.
How SIGN-A-RAMA Compares
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 91% of Business Services franchises
- Lower than average SBA loan default rate in Business Services
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SIGN-A-RAMA Current | $245K – $345K | $50K | 6.0% | 684 |
| Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution, LLC | $14K – $607K | N/A | N/A | 6,454 |
| THE UPS STORE (TRADITIONAL) | $216K – $609K | $30K | 5.0% | 4,500 |
| RE/MAX | $37K – $337K | $35K | 1.0% | 2,994 |
| JACKSON HEWITT TAX SERVICE | $71K – $105K | $25K | 15.0% | 2,744 |
| CRUISE PLANNERS | $2K – $21K | $11K | 3.0% | 2,655 |
Business Services Average 198 franchises | $121K – $289K | $47K | 10.2% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 198 Business Services franchises by location count.
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for SIGN-A-RAMA franchisees (2010 – 2025)
Loans by Year
SBA 7(a) loan activity over time
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
158 SBA loans on record
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Unlock SBA loan historyFranchisee Contacts
475 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
475 Contacts Available
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Unlock contactsDue Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily royalty, marketing fee, and technology fee collection disputes, along with operational non-compliance.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
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Unlock due diligence reportsFrequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a SIGN-A-RAMA franchise ranges from $245,432 to $344,768. This includes a franchise fee of $49,500. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
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