FASTSIGNS Attracts Independent Print Shop Owners With Co-Branding Program

CARROLLTON, Texas, Nov. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new co-branding opportunity that allows independent print shop owners to expand their offerings to include signage & visual graphics services is quickly gaining traction and paving a path to recovery for business owners in the declining commercial print industry.

FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS^® visual communications, signage and graphics centers with 530 locations in eight countries, reports that its newly launched co-branding program, which is designed to help independent print shop owners join the FASTSIGNS franchise system at a significantly reduced investment, including lower franchise fee and royalties, is receiving tremendous interest, with multiple leads and potential deals in the works.

"With the commercial print industry in decline, the road to recovery for independent print shop owners requires diversification into new and expanded products and services," said FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson, who was previously in the sheet fed printing industry for 28 years. "Through our co-branding program, independent print shop owners have the opportunity to grow new, profitable revenue streams by diversifying with signage and visual graphics services, while still retaining their original business identity. Through the program, independent operators have access to our proven track record and business model, including ongoing training and support provided by FASTSIGNS."

The new co-branding program allows independent print shop owners to add a FASTSIGNS center within their existing business and gain ongoing training and support from the franchise for as little as a $6,000 initial investment. 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.

FASTSIGNS franchise owner Bob Kromhaly, who co-branded his printing business with FASTSIGNS in 2011 to become FASTSIGNS & Kromhaly's Printing, had operated a traditional printing business for more than 30 years before making the transition into signage and visual graphics/wide-format printing. Kromhaly's business had just begun offering these services before turning to FASTSIGNS for the added expertise and support they needed to expand.

"Before joining FASTSIGNS, it would take us anywhere from a few months to a year to find the right equipment or software to invest in. Imagine consistently researching a heavy investment while staying on top of your everyday work—it's a job in itself," Kromhaly said. "As we began moving our business into signage and visual graphics, we knew a lot of research was ahead of us. Luckily, we came across FASTSIGNS early on and saw that the value in the added support and expertise from the franchise was a better investment. So, rather than spending endless hours doing the research ourselves, we now call on FASTSIGNS and know the answer will be right."

With more than 530 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers around the world, 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 décor, branding, printing and other marketing services.

For more information, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com.

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 530 FASTSIGNS^® sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries including the U.S. (and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE^®). FASTSIGNS provides comprehensive visual communications solutions to help customers of all sizes – across all industries – meet their business objectives and increase their business visibility through the use of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services. FASTSIGNS was ranked number one for the second year in a row in the sign and graphic category in the 2012 Entrepreneur Magazine annual Franchise 500^®. For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679) or visit www.fastsigns.com.

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