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Updated RecentlyGuardsman FurniturePro vs DOTI Design Stores Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Guardsman FurniturePro vs DOTI Design Stores including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $16,500 - $59,000 | $290,000 - $398,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $12,000 - $20,000 | $37,500 |
| Royalty Fee | Varies | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1865 | 1983 |
| Year Franchised | 1994 | 1999 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Ad slicks, National media | 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: 1 - 2
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 |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | No |
Company Overviews
About Guardsman FurniturePro
A division of Lilly Industries, Guardsman WoodPro is a mobile business that repairs furniture and refurbishes kitchen cabinets. It also offers a complete furniture stripping and refinishing program. It is a member of the Premier Home Services group.
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.