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Updated RecentlyDOTI Design Stores vs Today's Window Fashions Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of DOTI Design Stores vs Today's Window Fashions including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $290,000 - $398,000 | $49,000 - $55,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $37,500 | $49,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 4% |
| Advertising Fee | - | - |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 1993 |
| Year Franchised | 1999 | 1997 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 5 years |
| Renewal Fee | - | $750 |
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/Yes | No/No |
| Equipment | No/No | No/No |
| Inventory | No/Yes | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | - |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives |
| Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising |
| 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) |
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
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | - | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | No | No |
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 Today's Window Fashions
Mark Barone founded Today's Window Fashions in 1993 because he recognized an opportunity for growth. In an industry that was primarily handled by independent companies, Barone believed there was strength in numbers, so he began franchising in 1997. Based in San Diego, the privately held company uses an online designer showroom to increase customer sales.