The shop’s ultraviolet (UV) printer is capable of adding spot colours and gloss ink, to create different textures throughout each project.
Is the demand for promotional products still strong?
JP: The demand for high-quality promotional products is getting stronger every day. With our UV printer, we can print on high-end items in smaller quantities to give our customers exactly what they want—even if they only need five or 10 pieces.
How are 24 Hour Signs shops laid out?
JP: This first facility is the smallest of the three packages we offer. It’s 204.3 m2 (2,200 sf), consisting of a showroom for signs and apparel, an apparel production area, and a separate sign production area. We’re currently offering franchise opportunities in Saskatchewan and Alberta, for an investment ranging from $500,000 to $750,000.
We have a large showroom that features a variety of cut and printed signs, apparel, and promotional products. However, we operate by appointment only. We avoided choosing a main street location because we don’t want constant foot traffic. In our plan, those who come to the store are mostly people we’ve already spoken with or who have submitted a request online.
How many people work at a 24 Hour Signs franchise location?
JP: This store has four team members. A sales manager (franchisee) meets with clients and brings in the business. A designer handles all the graphic design work for clients who want signs and apparel. Two production assistants, who will become production managers over time, are responsible for all the production. One of them looks after all our apparel production, while the other focuses on the production and installation of signs.
This model size starts with a team of four and works up to a team of eight over the first one to two years. Our largest store will start with a team of six and grow to 13.
In today’s crowded marketplace, why do you think your clients choose 24 Hour Signs?
JP: We operate our business on three simple statements:
- When you need a job done fast, and you want it done right, we’re the company to call.
- We understand the importance of taking care of a customer—we deliver every time, no exceptions.
- Having a full complement of production equipment, including UV print capability, helps us keep our promises.
At 24 Hour Signs, we always surpass the expectations of our customers, and that keeps them coming back.
Notes
1 For more information, visit https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/uv-cured-printing-inks-market.
Ginny Mumm is a freelance consultant for digital inkjet printer/cutter provider Roland DGA. For more information, visit www.rolanddga.com.
