FASTSIGNS vs Signs First
FASTSIGNS vs Signs First: FASTSIGNS costs $215K to $377K to open; Signs First costs $27K to $193K. FASTSIGNS has 363 units, Signs First has 10. SBA loan history: FASTSIGNS = 504 loans (7.1% default); Signs First = 10 loans (10.0% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
FASTSIGNS vs Signs First: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Signs First requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($27K vs $215K for FASTSIGNS), a 706% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, FASTSIGNS operates 363 units to Signs First's 10, roughly 36× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
FASTSIGNS has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 504 7(a) approvals compared with 10 for Signs First. FASTSIGNS's peak SBA year was 2021 (36 loans); Signs First's peak was 1997 (2 loans). FASTSIGNS's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. FASTSIGNS has the most SBA funded units in TX, with 50. Signs First leads in MS, with 4. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded FASTSIGNS deals is $340K vs $106K for Signs First, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 7.1% for FASTSIGNS and 10.0% for Signs First, FASTSIGNS has the cleaner SBA loss record by 2.9 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 68 (Strong) for FASTSIGNS and 36 (Fair) for Signs First, giving FASTSIGNS the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 68/100 | 36/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | N/A |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 504 | 10 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 7.1% | 10.0% |
Peer Tier | major | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $215K to $377K | $27K to $193K |
Franchise Fee | $50K | N/A |
Royalty Rate | 6% | N/A |
Ad Fund | 2% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $100K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $300K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 363 | 10 |
Franchised Units | 363 | 10 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1985 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 1986 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 40 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | Carrollton, TX | JACKSON, MS |
Category | Sign Manufacturing | Sign Manufacturing |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2025 | N/A |
Which Is Better, FASTSIGNS or Signs First?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
FASTSIGNS: $215K starting · Signs First: $27K starting
More SBA lender confidence
FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS: 504 SBA loans · Signs First: 10 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS: 7.1% · Signs First: 10.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
FASTSIGNS: 363 units · Signs First: 10 units
More lender financing options
FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS: 152 unique lenders · Signs First: 9 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
FASTSIGNS vs Signs First: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing FASTSIGNS and Signs First is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $27K to $377K.
FASTSIGNS has 504 SBA loans on record and Signs First has 10. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
FASTSIGNS vs Signs First, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, FASTSIGNS or Signs First?
How much does a FASTSIGNS franchise cost compared to Signs First?
Can I finance FASTSIGNS or Signs First with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, FASTSIGNS or Signs First?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman