Independent Print Shop Owners Interested in Diversifying Service Offerings Through Co-Branding Program With National Signage and Visual Graphics Franchise

CARROLLTON, Texas - A new co-branding program from the nation's leading signage and visual graphics franchise is becoming a popular business move for independent business owners looking for new ways to effectively diversify their service offerings in this challenging economy.

FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS(R) visual communications, signage and graphics centers, reports that its new co-branding program is quickly gaining traction with five centers already open under the program, resulting in a total of 10 co-branded agreements expected to be signed through the first half of this year. Company plans also call for an additional 30 agreements to be signed throughout 2013.

One of the first to launch the co-branded model is Prestige Printing in Columbus, Ind., which moved into a new, larger facility in March 2013. Owner, Donna Booth purchased Prestige Printing in late 2007 and quickly realized that she would have to evolve its service offerings and become a one-stop, small-business resource, in order to keep the business profitable and in demand. Booth was looking to offer signage and visual graphics/wide-format printing when she first learned about FASTSIGNS co-branding program and knew the added support from the signage and visual graphics franchise would be the best way to take her business to the next level.

"FASTSIGNS takes out much of the guess work and walks you through every aspect of moving into the signage and visual graphics field," Booth said. "They help me with everything from purchasing the right equipment to marketing the service offering to existing and potential customers. Words don't describe how much of a relief it is to have a business partner I can turn to on an ongoing basis who understands my business and knows the best way to continue moving it in the right direction."

The new co-branding program allows independent business owners to add a FASTSIGNS center within their existing business and gain ongoing training and support from the franchise for as little as $10,000 down. As a co-branded partner, FASTSIGNS offers effective local and national marketing, improved buying power and relationships with vendors, access to national accounts and up-to-date technology and digital services, among other benefits from being part of a franchise network with business owners nationwide.

"Our co-branding program is receiving tremendous interest from independent business owners looking to create new, cost-effective revenue streams in the declining commercial print industry," said FASTSIGNS Senior Vice President of Franchise Support & Development Mark Jameson. "The FASTSIGNS co-branding program is designed to help independent business owners join the FASTSIGNS franchise system at a significantly reduced investment, including lower franchise fees and royalties. It's a viable solution for companies looking to become the go-to in their community with expanded services that cater to all small business needs. Our co-branded partners retain their original business identity and also gain access to ongoing training and support from FASTSIGNS."

To educate independent business owners about the company's co branding and franchise conversion programs, FASTSIGNS will be exhibiting at the National Business Media (NBM) Show May 30 - June 1 at the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (Booth No. 621).

With more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers in eight countries, FASTSIGNS provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions --including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters -- as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior decor, branding, printing and other marketing services.