Signal 88®
What Is Signal 88?
Signal 88 is a franchise offering security services, specializing in security patrols and surveillance, security consulting, executive protection, and workplace training in personal safety, risk avoidance, and threat management. It sells services primarily to business customers needing site surveillance and consulting, and also to individuals and businesses seeking executive protection and safety training. The System centers on highly trained security personnel supported by an integrated patrol and guard management system, standardized uniforms, equipment specifications, and training and management assistance.
Signal 88 Franchise: Pros and Cons
With 1,060 outlets nationwide — well above peers and providing stronger buying power, marketing reach, and established systems to tap into — the brand offers scale new owners can leverage, but the high upfront cost (a $120,000 franchise fee and up to $5,093,300 total investment, both top 5%) makes the cash commitment much larger than typical.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
Part 1 (The Facts): Disputes include an insurer suit alleging breach and unjust enrichment, a franchisor enforcement action over termination, royalties and loan claims (with counterclaims), a $43,000 misclassification/contract settlement, a software‑vendor arbitration, and an administrative license surrender and fine. Part 2 (The Advice): During due diligence review termination and post‑termination covenants, indemnity and insurance/additional‑insured obligations, royalty and loan guarantees, Item 12 territorial protections, state licensing history, labor‑classification exposure, and request full settlement and claim documentation.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units. The franchisor retains rights to sell via e-commerce, deploy different trademarks accounting for market density, develop additional units in the surrounding area, and condition protection on meeting performance quotas and site contingencies; franchisee retains relocation rights.
Training & Support
Signal 88 provides a robust 98-hour training curriculum designed to prepare three managerial staff members for launch. The program includes on-site launch assistance as operational readiness support; travel and lodging expenses are covered by the franchisor, and on-site support services may incur additional fees.
Unit Growth Analysis
This franchise expanded from 582 units in 2021 to 1,060 in 2024 (+478 units, +82.1% cumulative), with YoY growth rates of 45.9% (2021→2022), 13.4% (2022→2023) and 10.1% (2023→2024) — showing decelerating but still positive unit growth. For investors this signals a healthy, scalable brand that is normalizing from an early rapid roll‑out (large 2022 spike) into steadier expansion (97 net units added in 2024); monitor unit economics and market saturation to ensure the slower rate doesn’t presage margin pressure or market limits.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Signal 88 Franchise?
Opening a Signal 88 franchise requires a total initial investment of $126,950 to $5,093,300, according to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
Signal 88 Franchise Earnings: Not Disclosed
Signal 88 did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information, which can make it harder for prospective owners to evaluate expected revenue before investing.
This franchise company did not publish these results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Signal 88 franchise?
The total initial investment for a Signal 88 franchise ranges from $126,950 to $5,093,300, according to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the Signal 88 initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for Signal 88 is $120,000, as stated in the 2024 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
Does Signal 88 disclose franchise revenue data?
Signal 88 did not disclose financial performance data (Item 19) in their 2024 FDD. Not all franchisors choose to publish this information.
Does Signal 88 have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
Signal 88 received a legal risk score of 82 out of 100 in the 2024 FDD analysis. Part 1 (The Facts): Disputes include an insurer suit alleging breach and unjust enrichment, a franchisor enforcement action over termination, royalties and loan claims (with counterclaims), a $43,000 misclassification/contract settlement, a software‑vendor arbitration, and an administrative license surrender and fine.
Does Signal 88 offer exclusive franchise territories?
Signal 88 received a territory protection score of 54 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units.
What training does Signal 88 provide to new franchisees?
Signal 88 received a training and support score of 74 out of 100. Signal 88 provides a robust 98-hour training curriculum designed to prepare three managerial staff members for launch.
How many Signal 88 franchise locations are there?
Signal 88 had 1060 total locations as of the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is Signal 88?
Signal 88 is a franchise offering security services, specializing in security patrols and surveillance, security consulting, executive protection, and workplace training in personal safety, risk avoidance, and threat management.
Interested in Signal 88?
Get more information and connect with the franchise directly.