DOTI Design Stores vs Window Works Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
DOTI Design Stores Franchise
Window Works Franchise
Investment $290,000 - $398,000$60,000 - $90,000
Franchise Fee $37,500$30,000
Royalty Fee 6%4%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19831978
Year Franchised 19991979
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
DOTI Design Stores Franchise
Window Works Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
    Window Works Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
    Window Works Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks
    Operations 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)

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
    Window Works Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    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.

    About Window Works

    Founded in 1978, Window Works has been franchising since 1979. The private company is based in Wilkesboro, NC