The 23rd Annual International Franchise Expo wraps June 21st at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Center. The event is being called the “biggest franchise expo in the world”. This expo showcased more than 400 franchise concepts and hosted more than 20,000 attendees from 50 states and 80 plus countries.
Blackenterprise.com is putting the spotlight on franchise opportunities showcased at the expo that may have potential.
Fastsigns participated in the expo to meet with potential franchise partners and discuss the company’s “More than fast, More than signs” objective. The company continues its mission to position itself as an industry leader. Now present in eight countries and counting, the company uses signs, graphics and visual communications centers to provide solutions to consumer challenges, tell consumer’s stories and increase their visibility.
BE spoke to Fastsigns’ 5-year veteran and Executive Vice President of Support & Development Mark Jameson.
Here’s are six reasons why he believes their franchise concept has potential.
Leadership:
“We are experiencing our third year of record growth. People are recognizing that. We have the highest rated franchise satisfaction and we are here at the show introducing our model to new candidates”.
Transparency:
“We are very transparent in our sales process. And we really showcase the success of our existing franchisees. Anybody looking for a franchise today should be asking for Item 19, for transparency to see the financial opportunity, we present that. In addition to that we use two third parties that rank our franchise satisfaction”.
BE FYI: The most important information for the prospective buyer is Item 19 in the Franchise Disclosure Document. According to entrepreneur.com, “only 30 — 40 percent of franchisors provide information on how much their current franchisees are earning; the others must state that they choose not to make such a claim.â€
RELATED: 2014 International Franchise Expo Kicks Off In NYC
Fastsigns displays franchise concepts at 2014 IFE
Credit:
“We also have over $6 million credit facilities so we can almost guarantee SBA lending for qualified candidates so we can basically take them right through the sales process as well as get them financing through a credit facility with the direct relationship we’ve got”.
Eye on the Future:
We are a 30 year company, but what Fastsigns is focused on today is our
new brand position “More than fast, More than signs”, which means we are truly today solution providers. We are not focused as much on just banners, we have digital signage, trade show displays and 3D printers. We think 3D printing will be an integral part of our model in the future. We are really focused on new technology so we can help our customers, which ultimately drives business to our franchise locations”.Marketing:
“We are the only one in the industry with a $7 million ad fund, so we are advertising on CNN, MSNBC and FOX News and that drives leads and value to our franchising.
Diversity:
“I think that our products are broad and our services are great. One of our top franchisees in Washington, DC, Howard James is recognized as a winner in several publications. We just attended the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference in Columbus, Ohio. We think our model is very attractive to anybody. We have great franchisees in every single demographic group. We also have very wide attractive program for veterans and we are looking for franchisees across every spectrum”.
That franchise incentive for veterans reportedly includes a 50% discount off the initial franchise fee.
According to yahoo.com, Fastsigns, “has signed 20 franchise agreements for expansion throughout North America and has finalized master franchise and area developer deals for the United Arab Emirates, North Africa and Australia with separate entrepreneurial teams. Through its targeted growth strategy, FASTSIGNS plans to open upwards of 50 locations each year for the next three to five years across the globe, entering 10 new markets.