Signarama

A long-established B2B franchise producing signs, vehicle graphics and visual branding for businesses, organisations and commercial properties

Signarama has spent four decades building a franchise around something almost every business needs at some point: signs.

Founded in 1986, the company produces building signage, vehicle graphics, window graphics, banners, displays, directional signs and other visual products for businesses and organisations. Its customers can range from a tradesperson needing a van wrapped to a restaurant opening a new location or a larger company replacing signage across several sites.

The breadth of that customer base is important. Signarama is not dependent on one consumer trend or a single type of business. Retailers, schools, property companies, healthcare providers, restaurants, offices, contractors and community organisations all buy signage.

One customer can also generate several jobs. A new company may initially need exterior signage, then order window graphics, internal signs, vehicle branding or promotional displays. Growing businesses can create additional work as they add vehicles or premises.

That makes local sales a major part of the franchisee's role. Owners need to build relationships with companies, respond to enquiries, prepare quotes and manage projects from design through production and installation. Repeat accounts can become particularly valuable because the cost of finding the customer has already been incurred.

The production side of the business adds another dimension. Different jobs require different materials, equipment and installation skills, while larger or more technical projects may involve outside suppliers and contractors. Managing deadlines and quality is therefore as important as making the initial sale.

Signarama is part of United Franchise Group and has developed an international network since beginning franchising in the 1980s. Franchisees receive access to established suppliers, training, marketing resources and operating systems.

Digital advertising has changed how companies promote themselves, but it has not removed the need for a sign above the door, directions inside a building or a company name on a vehicle. Signarama has built its longevity around serving those practical requirements.