Foliage Design Systems vs Blind Man of America Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Foliage Design Systems vs Blind Man of America including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Foliage Design Systems Franchise
Blind Man of America Franchise
Investment $44,400 - $64,400$45,500 - $69,100
Franchise Fee $20,000$15,000
Royalty Fee 6%4.3%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19711991
Year Franchised 19801996
Term Of Agreement 4-5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 4-5 years5 years
Renewal Fee -$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Foliage Design Systems Franchise
Blind Man of America Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Foliage Design Systems Franchise
    Blind Man of America Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Foliage Design Systems Franchise
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: Up to 32 hours Classroom Training: 51-72 hours -
    Support Ad Templates Social media SEO Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Co-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5

    Absentee ownership allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Franchise can be run from home.

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Foliage Design Systems Franchise
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Foliage Design Systems

    Founded by John S. Hagood and John Blaser in 1971, Foliage Design Systems (FDS) provides interior plant products and services nationwide. Based in Orlando, Florida, Foliage Design Systems started franchising in 1980.
    The company ensures professional care with uniformed staff, all of whom are trained in horticultural services.

    "Entrepreneur
    #438 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Blind Man of America

    The Blind Man of America is a home-based business providing customers with in-home selection of custom-made blinds, shades, shutters and more. We work from home and travel in the "blind mobile", our full-service vans containing everything we need to provide our customers with an unsurpassed selection of products with professional installation. Our concept is framed in its simplicity. The idea is this - most of today's home owners know what they want in window coverings, but they want someone else to do the critical measuring and installation. That's where  Blind Man of America comes in. We provide a huge selection of quality products, provide expert measuring and installation, and guarantee it all!
    We provide this service to our customers in the comfort of their own home and all with unmatched customer service. It's a concept that consumers love and a system that's easy to implement for our franchisees. But, does it work? Judge for yourself. As a whole, our company averaged a 59% closing ratio in 2004 which means 6 out of every 10 estimates we've converted to sales. Our franchisees in business three years or more averaged a 55% repeat and referral business as well.