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Updated RecentlyThe Closet Factory vs Granite Transformations Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Closet Factory vs Granite Transformations including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $208,500 - $356,000 | $98,600 - $346,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $46,500 | $25,000 - $75,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5.75% | 2% |
| Advertising Fee | - | 1% -2% |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1995 |
| Year Franchised | 1986 | 1997 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | $7K | $10,000 |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | You don�t have to be a contractor or a builder to become a successful Granite Transformations franchisee. But you do need to be motivated to provide the best service around, and to create a great customer experience with every sale you make. We can provide the training, the product, the sales techniques, the consumer messages, but you must provide the drive to succeed�, for yourself, for your staff, and for the system. | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/No |
| Equipment | No/Yes | No/No |
| Inventory | No/Yes | Yes/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | A comprehensive two-week online and classroom training program at our Granite Transformations University in Dallas, TX. Additional two-week on-site training and support in your own store. |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Business Planning: Granite Transformations specialists work with you to develop business plan, cash flow & operating budget and marketing strategies. Operations Management: Proven systems and proprietary software for managing project workflow, staffing, inventory and other store functions. Financial Management: You'll learn techniques for analyzing, understanding and improving your store's financial performance. Marketing: Guidance and best-practices information from our world-class marketing and advertising department will give you strategies, tactics and access to materials to launch and grow your business. Personnel Management: Training and best practices proven throughout the franchise network will help you identify, train, motivate and compensate the best employees. |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Direct access via website to marketing collateral with ability to customize and print direct from the website. Ongoing marketing education webinars. Parent website optimized for SEO to drive leads to your store. |
| Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | 17% of all franchisees own more than one unit. |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About The Closet Factory
John LaBarbera founded The Closet Factory in a small industrial space in Los Angeles in 1983. The company started out with six employees customizing closets, offices, garages and pantries, and now has more than 100 employees at its Los Angeles headquarters. There are also 11 other factories around the world.
The Closet Factory works with homeowners, contractors and interior decorators, installing closets, entertainment centers, pantries and shelves for offices and garages.
You are unique and so are your needs. No one knows that better than The Closet Factory. When it comes to creating custom solutions that are imaginative, well organized and satisfy your design sensibilities, The Closet Factory believes the process must begin with a partnership between you and one of our designers.
About Granite Transformations
THE COMPANY Granite Transformations is a franchise organization that provides an important and compelling service to homeowners, builders, commercial building owners and more to literally transform their kitchen, baths, bars or other areas with our gorgeous TREND STONE, TREND GLASS and TREND MOSAIC surfaces. Each surface is made in the USA, and is created to bring a designer feel and impact to every room we're in. Many of our franchisees offer cabinet refacing, an additional service to our customers, and another way for our franchisee team to generate revenue and create fans. ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS: Granite Transformations core product is an engineered stone that outperforms ordinary granite! It is heat, scratch and stain resistant, and adds a dramatic, gorgeous look to kitchens, bathrooms and more. We are the only surface engineered to fit right over existing countertop surfaces. That means no costly demolition, no mess and fast and easy installation, usually in one day! Our Trend Stone, Trend Glass, and Trend Mosaics are manufactured from the finest stones, granites, quartz, and recycled glass available. Our products are fabricated in Sebring, Florida and are used in homes and commercial buildings worldwide. Each Trend Stone slab is approximately 95% granite combined with a specially formulated polymer that gives it strength and durability beyond natural stone. That makes Granite Transformations virtually maintenance free. And we back it up with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. When customers see our product and understand our advantages, it's as easy as 1-2-3 to close the sale! We have the support, the training, the materials, the know how, the research and the selling techniques to make you a success with Granite Transformations. For Franchisees, here are just a few of the things we offer: Exclusive territory Initial and ongoing training programs Outstanding local advertising and messaging materials The industry's leading product Lifetime Guarantee on Products An international footprint A strong management team 25+ years of growth and success Volume purchasing opportunities Local and regional sales support Continual new products WHY GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS IS GROWING: It's simple. We offer a great product that meets the needs of consumers today. And we will continue to meet their needs in the future. We make it so easy to transform a kitchen or bathroom. Franchisees across the country understand the strength of the Granite Transformations idea, the intelligence and commitment of our management team, and the desire to see the franchise group succeed to the very best of their abilities and resources. VetFran offers a 50% franchise fee discount and payment plan for the remaining franchise fee investment for 12 months for qualified veterans.