Print and signage businesses can see plenty of opportunity in the current digitally-focused marketplace, as Domini Stuart reports.
The print and signage businesses are both about communication – and they have both been changing fast.
SIGNS OF SUCCESS
These days, signs are about a lot more than giving directions. Signage can incorporate communication in its broadest form – for example, Signwave describes it as a powerful and immediate form of communication that can be used to build a brand, market a product or service or announce an event.
Signs can be printed, lighted or even interactive, and Signwave covers the full spectrum of signage solution.
Digital signage is dynamic – it allows businesses to communicate constantly-changing information, updated news and the latest offers in a way that will catch and hold their customers’ attention.
Signwave has been operating in the digital signage space for many years and, as the opportunities within the sector continue to increase, it is well placed to cope with changing demand.
“Virtually every business uses signs and graphics to sell, inform and direct,” says Andrew Mckay, Australian general manager of Fastsigns International which runs the Signwave business in Australia,. “This means that every business is a potential customer for Signwave and advances in technology will only continue to expand the market.”
The franchise also offers a wide range of complementary products and services – everything from floor and vehicle graphics, architectural and interior décor signs and labels to promotional products and wearables – and has recently introduced a new branding platform to communicate the fact.
“We chose ‘SIGNWAVE: So Much More Than Signs’ because we want people to know that we provide a wide variety of products, services and comprehensive visual communications solutions to help businesses raise their visibility, reach more customers and tell their story,” say McKay.
FRANCHISING
Currently, Signwave has more than 530 locations worldwide with 20 of those in Australia.
“Ours is proven, international model which is locally managed,” continues McKay. “The support we provide has been tailored to the Australian market. We provide all the help that’s needed in terms of day-to-day operations as well as vital intelligence via a sophisticated system of reporting.”
New franchisees can choose a start-up franchise for an overall cost of around $210,000 or to convert an existing print or sign business for a much lower cost.
Signwave looks for enthusiastic and motivated franchisees who enjoy interacting with people and embrace every opportunity to provide solutions for other businesses.
“This hasn’t changed over the past five years – we have always seen the value in building relationships,” says Mckay. “The only thing that has changed significantly in terms of our franchisee recruitment is the age demographic. As with print, we’re getting much younger people showing an interest now than when the business started out.”