H&R Block vs Signal 88 Security: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Retail & Services Business Services Real Data Not Investment Advice
HB

H&R Block

Retail & Services
$32K – $150K
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VS
S8

Signal 88 Security

Business Services
$50K – $130K
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
Signal 88 Security wins on investment range ($20K less) vs H&R Block.
Fee Burden
Signal 88 Security wins on royalty rate (24.0% lower) vs H&R Block.
Unit Count
H&R Block wins on total units (11,825 more) vs Signal 88 Security.
Satisfaction
Signal 88 Security wins on franchisee satisfaction vs H&R Block.

Investment & Fees

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Min Investment $32K $50K
Max Investment $150K $130K
Franchise Fee $3K $30K
Royalty Rate 30.0% 6.0%
Ad Fund Rate N/A N/A

Unit Economics

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Avg Unit Revenue $140K $400K
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Total Units 12,000 175
Annual Growth -100.0% N/A
Failure Rate N/A N/A

Franchisee Performance

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Franchisee Satisfaction 68/100 70/100

Track Record

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Years in Business N/A N/A
Years Franchising N/A N/A

Financial Requirements

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Min Net Worth Required N/A N/A
Liquid Capital Required N/A N/A

Operations

Metric H&R Block Signal 88 Security
Avg Employees N/A N/A
Training Weeks N/A N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H&R Block or Signal 88 Security a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. H&R Block has 12,000 total units and a 68/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Signal 88 Security has 175 total units and a 70/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a H&R Block franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a H&R Block franchise requires an initial investment of $32K – $150K. The franchise fee is $3K, with ongoing royalties of 30.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Signal 88 Security franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Signal 88 Security franchise requires an initial investment of $50K – $130K. The franchise fee is $30K, with ongoing royalties of 6.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for H&R Block vs Signal 88 Security?

H&R Block's royalty rate is 30.0%. Signal 88 Security's royalty rate is 6.0%. That means H&R Block has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — H&R Block or Signal 88 Security?

H&R Block has 12,000 total units. Signal 88 Security has 175 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is H&R Block or Signal 88 Security semi-absentee friendly?

H&R Block is typically run as a owner-operator model. Signal 88 Security is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

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