FASTSIGNS is a franchise sign shop network, not a government program

FASTSIGNS is a chain of independently owned sign shops operating under a single brand. Each location is run by a franchisee — a business owner who has licensed the FASTSIGNS name and system — rather than by a central corporate office. When you walk into a FASTSIGNS shop or visit their website, you are dealing with a local business that makes its own decisions about pricing, turnaround time, and what services it offers.

This matters because there is no single FASTSIGNS customer experience. A FASTSIGNS in Denver operates differently from one in Miami. One location might specialize in vehicle wraps; another might focus on interior signage for offices. Pricing for the same job can vary significantly between locations. You are not calling a national customer service line — you are contacting a local shop owner.

FASTSIGNS is not a government program, tax benefit, or financial information service. It is a commercial sign company. If you are looking for help paying for signage, grants for small business signage, or tax deductions related to business signs, those are separate topics not covered here.

Key Takeaways

  • FASTSIGNS locations are independently owned franchises, so each shop sets its own prices, timelines, and service offerings.
  • You contact your local FASTSIGNS shop directly by phone, email, or in person — there is no central ordering system or national customer service number.
  • Most FASTSIGNS shops handle design, production, and installation for outdoor signs, vehicle wraps, banners, and interior signage.
  • Turnaround time and cost depend on the complexity of your design, the materials you choose, and how busy the local shop is at that moment.
  • If you need a sign for a business or property, getting quotes from multiple local FASTSIGNS locations and other sign shops helps you compare price and timeline.

What FASTSIGNS shops typically produce

Most FASTSIGNS locations produce outdoor business signs, vehicle graphics, banners, and interior signage. Common projects include storefront signs with illuminated letters, vinyl decals for car doors and truck beds, large-format banners for events or promotions, and interior wall graphics for offices or retail spaces.

The specific services available depend on the equipment and informed at your local shop. Some locations have digital printing equipment; others focus on vinyl cutting and installation. Some offer design services; others expect you to bring finished artwork. Before you contact a shop, check their website or call to confirm they handle the type of sign you need.

FASTSIGNS is not a DIY sign kit or online ordering platform where you upload a design and receive a sign by mail. It is a physical shop where you work with a designer or sales person to plan your project, review proofs, and arrange installation.

How to get a quote from your local FASTSIGNS

Find the FASTSIGNS location nearest you by searching "FASTSIGNS near me" or visiting the FASTSIGNS website locator. Call the shop directly or visit in person. Be ready to describe what you need: the type of sign, the size, the material (vinyl, metal, plastic, fabric), whether you need design work, and when you need it finished.

The shop will ask questions about your location (outdoor signs face different weather demands than indoor ones), your budget, and your timeline. If you have a design or sketch, bring it or email it ahead. If you do not, the shop can usually create one for you, though this adds time and cost.

Most shops provide a written quote that lists the design fee (if any), the production cost, and the installation cost separately. Ask about turnaround time — this varies widely depending on the complexity of the design and how many other jobs the shop is working on. A straightforward vinyl decal might be ready in a few days; a large custom-built illuminated sign might take weeks.

Pricing and what affects the cost

FASTSIGNS pricing is not standardized across locations. Two shops in the same city may quote different prices for identical work. Factors that affect cost include the size of the sign, the materials used, the complexity of the design, whether the shop has to create the design from scratch, and whether installation is included.

Outdoor signs typically cost more than indoor ones because they require weather-resistant materials and structural engineering. Illuminated signs (with LED or neon) cost more than non-illuminated ones. Custom designs cost more than straightforward text on a standard background. Rush orders — finishing in days instead of weeks — usually carry a premium.

Installation costs depend on the location and difficulty. A sign mounted on a flat wall costs less to install than one that requires roof access, electrical work, or structural modifications. Some shops include installation in the quoted price; others charge it separately. Always ask whether the quote covers installation and any necessary permits.

Timeline: how long a sign takes to produce

Turnaround time varies by project and by shop. A vinyl decal or straightforward banner might be ready in 3 to 5 business days. A custom-designed sign with fabrication might take 2 to 4 weeks. An illuminated sign with electrical work might take 4 to 8 weeks or longer.

The timeline also depends on how busy the shop is. During peak seasons (spring and summer for many sign shops), wait times are longer. If you need a sign quickly, ask the shop upfront whether they can meet your important date and whether a rush fee applies.

When you place an order, confirm the delivery and installation date in writing. Ask what happens if the shop misses the important date and whether there are any penalties or refunds. Some shops build in buffer time and finish early; others work right up to the important date.

Design, proofs, and revisions

Most FASTSIGNS shops offer design services. You describe what you want, and the designer creates a visual proof — a mockup showing how the sign will look. You review the proof and request changes. The number of revision rounds included in the price varies by shop — some include unlimited revisions; others charge for changes after a certain number.

If you already have a design (from a graphic designer, your marketing team, or an online tool), bring it to the shop. They will review it for production feasibility. Some designs that look good on a computer screen are difficult or impossible to produce as a physical sign. The shop will let you know if changes are needed.

Always review the proof carefully before approving production. Check spelling, colors, sizing, and placement. Once production starts, changes are expensive or impossible. If the final sign does not match the approved proof, contact the shop when ready — most will remake it at no charge if the error was theirs.

Permits and regulations for outdoor signs

Most cities and counties require permits for outdoor business signs. The permit process, cost, and timeline vary by location. Some FASTSIGNS shops handle the permit process as part of their service; others expect you to obtain the permit yourself before they install the sign.

Ask your local FASTSIGNS shop whether they handle permits. If they do, the cost is usually included in the quote or listed separately. If they do not, contact your city or county building department to learn what permits you need and how long the process takes. Do not assume a sign is legal just because a shop agrees to build it — the shop may not be responsible for permit compliance.

Regulations cover sign size, height, lighting, setback from the street, and materials. A sign that is legal in one city may violate codes in another. Your FASTSIGNS shop should be familiar with local rules, but it is your responsibility to confirm compliance before installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a FASTSIGNS sign online and have it shipped to me?

FASTSIGNS is primarily a local, in-person service. You work with your nearest shop to design, produce, and install the sign. Some locations may ship smaller items like vinyl decals, but this is not standard. Contact your local shop to ask whether shipping is an option for your project.

What if I am not happy with the finished sign?

If the sign does not match the approved proof or has a defect in materials or workmanship, contact the shop when ready. Most shops will remake the sign at no charge if the error was theirs. If you changed your mind about the design after approval, the shop is not obligated to remake it, though they may offer to do so for a fee. Always get the shop's warranty and return policy in writing before you pay.

How much does a typical business sign cost?

Costs vary widely. A straightforward vinyl decal might cost $50 to $200. A small storefront sign could range from $500 to $2,000. A large illuminated sign can cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more. Get quotes from multiple shops in your area to understand the range for your specific project.

Do I need a design before I contact FASTSIGNS?

No. You can describe what you want, and the shop will create a design for you. Bring any logos, colors, or reference images you have. If you already have a finished design from a graphic designer, bring that instead. Either way, the shop will create a proof for you to review before production begins.

What if my sign needs to be installed on a difficult location?

Tell the shop about the installation location when you get a quote. Difficult locations (high roofs, electrical requirements, structural work) increase cost and timeline. The shop will let you know whether they can handle it or whether you need to hire a separate contractor. Always confirm installation responsibility and cost in writing before you sign the order.