Blind Man of America vs Shuttercraft Franchise Comparison

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

Company Overviews

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.

About Shuttercraft

Choosing a shuttercraft franchise provides you with access to the UK's most comprehensive range of high quality window shutter products and the S:CRAFT PURE Wood range of wood slat venetian blinds. All shuttercraft products are marketed under the S:CRAFT brand and utilising their extensive market knowledge you will be provided with the highest levels of support, including an on-going marketing programme. Continuing market research and investment in product development will ensure the best product range is available to meet today's market. The shuttercraft franchise package includes all the training and support needed to set-up and run the business locally. In this section you can see the relatively low set-up costs and the financial returns in detail, generating over $60k trading profit in year two with further potential for those with even higher ambitions. No doubt you will have many questions to ask, and there will be plenty of time during the process to do so, should you choose to apply. The start-up costs and support package is listed below, but we will discuss this with you in more detail after we have received your questionnaire. Subject to status the main high street banks are able to help with the financing of the franchise. Territory Demographics Trade Mark Franchise Agreement Operating Manual Induction Training - 2 wks Initial Support - 5 days Business Launch Business Stationery Leaflets etc. Demonstration Equipment (portable) Corporate Clothing Franchisee mini site on franchisors main site Franchise Package (payable to the franchisor) Van deposit (VW Transporter) - lease Vehicle Logo & Tel numbers Equipment Laptop & Printer Broadband Mobile Telephone Sundry Tools Other Legal advice Induction training expenses Start Up Costs $16,900 VAT (20%) $3,380 Total Start Up (exc. working capital) 20,280