FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for FASTSIGNS.
Based on 2025 FDD · 6 filings in corpus
Cost and profit at a glance
Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a FASTSIGNS franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $215K – $372K. Reported owner economics show $33K. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.
Quick fee read: $50K franchise fee · 8% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.
FASTSIGNS requires a total initial investment of $215K to $372K (midpoint approximately $294K), with an initial franchise fee of $50K. The ongoing fee burden is 8% (6% royalty plus 2% advertising fund). This is below the industry average of approximately 11.2%, leaving more margin for the operator.
According to Item 19 of the 2025 FDD, the median revenue for FASTSIGNS locations is $817K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $33K, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD. The estimated cash-on-cash return is 11.1% with a payback period of approximately 9.0 years.
FASTSIGNS operates approximately 12 franchised units. The SBA 7(a) loan default rate of 6.3% is in line with industry norms of approximately 8.1%.
Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
Analysis based on 2025 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology
Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.
Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.
Real lending data from SBA 7(a) loans (2010-2026). 325 loans across 42 states.
Source: SBA 7(a) loan data via FOIA. Default rate = charged-off loans / total originated. Industry avg default rate ~7.2%.
FDD Item 7 breaks down every cost category required to open a franchise - from the franchise fee ...
SBA 7(a) franchise loan approval rates by brand, default rates by sector, and what lenders look f...
Compare every franchise financing option - SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans, ROBS (401k rollovers), ...
Everything you need to know about SBA 7(a) franchise loans - eligibility, the SBA Franchise Direc...
Everything franchise buyers need to know about SBA 7(a) and 504 loans: rates, down payments, time...
5 data-driven questions every FASTSIGNS franchise buyer should ask.