What FASTSIGNS Is and Who Runs It

FASTSIGNS is a franchise network of sign shops spread across North America. Each location is independently owned but operates under the FASTSIGNS brand, which means they follow the same general business model and quality standards. You walk into a local FASTSIGNS shop, order a sign, and that shop produces and installs it — or produces it for you to install yourself.

FASTSIGNS locations handle neon signs alongside vinyl lettering, banners, vehicle wraps, and other signage. Because each shop is a separate business, what they can do, how long orders take, and what they charge varies by location. A FASTSIGNS in a major city may have faster turnaround and more equipment than one in a smaller town.

The company was founded in 1985 and is now one of the largest sign franchise networks in the United States and Canada. You can find locations through their website by entering your zip code or city.

Key Takeaways

  • FASTSIGNS is a franchise network, so each shop is independently owned and may offer different services, timelines, and pricing.
  • You can order neon signs, vinyl signs, banners, and other signage at most FASTSIGNS locations, though availability depends on the individual shop's equipment.
  • Turnaround time for neon signs typically ranges from one to three weeks, but this varies by location and current workload.
  • Most FASTSIGNS shops can handle design work, material sourcing, and installation, or you can bring your own design.
  • Pricing is set by each franchise owner, so getting quotes from multiple locations in your area is normal practice.

How to Find Your Nearest FASTSIGNS Location

Start by visiting the FASTSIGNS website and using their location finder tool. Enter your zip code or city name, and the tool will show you shops within a certain radius, usually with their phone number and address. You can also search "FASTSIGNS near me" in Google Maps to see locations, hours, and customer reviews.

Once you have identified a few shops, call or visit in person. This is important because not all FASTSIGNS locations offer the same services. Some shops specialize in vehicle wraps and banners but do not produce neon. Others have full neon capabilities. A quick phone call asking "Do you make neon signs?" will save you a trip.

If you live in a rural area or a region with no FASTSIGNS franchise, you may need to contact the nearest shop to ask whether they can work with you remotely — some shops will take orders by phone, email, or video call and ship finished signs.

What Happens When You Place a Neon Order

When you contact a FASTSIGNS shop about a neon sign, you will typically go through these steps: First, you describe what you want — the text, size, color, style, and where it will be installed. The shop may ask whether you have a design in mind or whether they should create one for you.

Next, the shop creates a design mockup or quote. This may be a straightforward sketch, a digital rendering, or a formal proposal with pricing and timeline. You review it, request changes if needed, and approve the final design. At this point, you usually place a deposit — the amount varies by shop but is often 50 percent of the total cost.

Once the deposit is received and the design is locked, production begins. Neon sign production involves bending glass tubes, filling them with neon or argon gas, adding electrodes, and testing the sign. This process typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the shop's current workload and the sign's complexity. The shop will contact you when the sign is ready for pickup or installation.

Pricing and What Affects the Cost

FASTSIGNS does not publish standard pricing because each franchise sets its own rates. A straightforward neon sign with a few letters might cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on size, color, complexity, and your location. A large custom neon sign for a business can easily exceed five figures.

Several factors influence the final price: the size of the sign (larger signs use more glass and gas), the number of colors (each color requires separate tubes), the complexity of the design (custom shapes cost more than straight text), and whether the shop needs to source special materials. Installation fees are usually separate from the sign itself and depend on where the sign will be mounted.

Because pricing varies widely, it is standard practice to get quotes from multiple FASTSIGNS locations or to compare FASTSIGNS quotes with other local sign shops. Ask each shop for a written quote that breaks down the sign cost, installation cost, and any other fees.

Timeline From Order to Installation

The total time from your first call to having a neon sign lit up on your wall typically ranges from three to six weeks, though this can be shorter or longer depending on circumstances. Here is a rough breakdown: the design and approval phase usually takes three to seven days. Once you approve the design and submit your deposit, production begins and typically takes one to three weeks. After production, the shop schedules installation, which may happen within days or may require a wait if the installation crew is booked.

If you need a sign faster, ask the shop whether they can rush production. Some shops can turn around straightforward neon signs in one to two weeks, but this usually comes with a rush fee. If you need a sign by a specific date — for a grand opening, for example — tell the shop that date upfront so they can tell you whether it is realistic.

Installation and Ongoing Maintenance

Most FASTSIGNS locations offer installation as part of the service. The shop will send a technician to mount the sign, run electrical wiring, and test it. Installation costs depend on the sign's size, weight, and where it needs to go. A sign mounted on a straightforward wall is cheaper to install than one that requires roof work or special structural support.

After installation, neon signs require minimal maintenance. The tubes themselves last many years — typically 8 to 15 years depending on use and quality. If a tube burns out or stops glowing, you can contact FASTSIGNS to repair or replace it. Some shops offer maintenance plans or warranties that cover repairs for a set period.

You should keep the shop's contact information so you can reach them if the sign stops working or if you need repairs down the road. Because FASTSIGNS is a franchise network, a different shop may not be able to service a sign made by another location, so it is best to work with the original shop whenever possible.

Bringing Your Own Design Versus Using the Shop's Design Team

You have two options: come to FASTSIGNS with a finished design, or let the shop's design team create one for you. If you already have artwork — a logo, a sketch, or a digital file — bring it to your first meeting. The shop will review it and tell you whether it is suitable for neon production. Some designs work better in neon than others; straightforward, bold shapes and clear lettering are ideal.

If you do not have a design, the FASTSIGNS shop can create one for you. This usually involves a consultation where you describe your vision, and the designer produces sketches or digital mockups for your review. Design work may be included in the quote or charged separately — ask upfront. Most shops will revise the design a few times before you approve it for production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can FASTSIGNS make a neon sign in any color I want?

Neon tubes glow in specific colors based on the gas inside and the phosphor coating on the tube. Common colors are red, blue, green, orange, and white. Other colors are possible but may be harder to source and could increase cost and timeline. Ask your local FASTSIGNS shop which colors they have in stock or can source quickly.

What if I want to pick up the sign myself instead of having it installed?

Most FASTSIGNS shops will let you pick up a finished sign and install it yourself, which saves the installation fee. However, neon signs require electrical wiring and safe mounting, so if you are not comfortable with that work, installation by a professional is worth the cost. Ask the shop whether they provide installation instructions or diagrams for DIY setup.

How much does a typical neon sign cost at FASTSIGNS?

Pricing varies by location and sign specifications. A small custom neon sign might start around $300 to $500, while a medium sign for a business could range from $1,000 to $3,000. Large or highly complex signs can cost significantly more. Request a written quote from your local shop for an accurate price.

What happens if my neon sign breaks after installation?

Contact the FASTSIGNS shop that made it. They can repair or replace broken tubes, fix electrical issues, or remount the sign if it has come loose. Repair costs depend on what is wrong. Some shops offer warranties or maintenance plans that cover repairs for a set time period.

Can FASTSIGNS ship a neon sign to me if there is no location near me?

Some FASTSIGNS franchises will take remote orders and ship finished signs, though this is less common than in-person service. Contact the nearest shop and ask whether they work with out-of-area customers. Shipping neon signs is expensive and risky because the tubes are fragile, so expect high shipping costs and possible damage during transit.