Foliage Design Systems vs DOTI Design Stores Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Foliage Design Systems Franchise
DOTI Design Stores Franchise
Investment $44,400 - $64,400$290,000 - $398,000
Franchise Fee $20,000$37,500
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19711983
Year Franchised 19801999
Term Of Agreement 4-5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 4-5 years5 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Foliage Design Systems Franchise
DOTI Design Stores Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales experience

  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Foliage Design Systems Franchise
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Foliage Design Systems Franchise
    DOTI Design Stores 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, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
    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)

    		 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9

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

    Expansion Plans
     
    Foliage Design Systems Franchise
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    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 DOTI Design Stores

    When Jim and Michele Evanger purchased Barrington, Illinois-based Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in 1993, they had big plans for expanding their new company. The couple added two locations by 1997 and started franchising in 1998. DOTI has recently shifted its franchise concept from that of a small design studio to a larger design store.

    DOTI's stores average 5,000 square feet in size and provide everything from upholstered furniture and rugs to accessories, lighting and window treatments. The company offers both single-store and multistore development programs.

    DOTI has reached agreements with various manufacturers to develop its own private-label line of furniture. Franchisees that take advantage of the program can then sell merchandise reflecting the DOTI brand to their customers.