The Closet Factory vs SealMaster Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Closet Factory vs SealMaster including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
SealMaster Franchise
Investment $208,500 - $356,000$579,800 - $924,500
Franchise Fee $46,500$35,000
Royalty Fee 5.75%5%
Advertising Fee -1.5%
Year Founded 19831969
Year Franchised 19861991
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee $7K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Closet Factory Franchise
SealMaster Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • People skills

  • Sales experience

  • Financing Options

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    SealMaster Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    SealMaster Franchise
    Training -You and your designated manager (if any) and up to three employees will participate in an initial training and familiarization course of one to two weeks in duration. You’ll learn SealMaster® manufacturing, sales and marketing techniques, financial controls and other administrative and operational aspects of the SealMaster® business. In addition, a SealMaster® field representative will provide additional assistance at your location to help you get started.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
    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)

    8% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    The Closet Factory Franchise
    SealMaster Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 SealMaster

    Since 1969, SealMaster locations have been providing contractors with the supplies and equipment necessary to repair pavement. Franchises in the Sandusky, Ohio-based chain manufacture and sell pavement sealers on site. SealMaster also sells concrete products, sport surfacing, traffic paints, tanks, trailers, machines, pumps and other tools. SealMaster locations hold training seminars for contractors and others who are interested in learning more about pavement maintenance.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a franchised business is $579,800 to $924,500. This includes $420,000 to $585,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate. If you are a conversion franchisee, the total investment necessary to begin operation of a franchised business is $64,300 to $651,000. This includes $60,000 to $425,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate.

    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee

    #292 in Franchise 500 for 2021.  Not in Franchise 500 for 2020.