AWC Commercial Window Coverings vs Lapels Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of AWC Commercial Window Coverings vs Lapels including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
AWC Commercial Window Coverings Franchise
Lapels Franchise
Investment $110,000 - $120,000$86,502 - $710,122
Franchise Fee $25,000$20,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 5-12.5%5%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19632000
Year Franchised 19922001
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$5K


Business Experience Requirements

 
AWC Commercial Window Coverings Franchise
Lapels Franchise
Experience
  • Marketing skills

  • General business experience
  • Customer service skills

  • Financing Options

     
    AWC Commercial Window Coverings Franchise
    Lapels Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    AWC Commercial Window Coverings Franchise
    Lapels Franchise
    Training Ongoing training availableOne of the greatest reasons for Lapels success is our initial training and ongoing support. We will have you train in our training store and then bring that same trainer out to your store for additional training and support. We will be with you during your soft opening to guide you through the day to day operations. On-The-Job Training: 62 hours Classroom Training: 61 hours
    Support Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing -Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 16.6% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    AWC Commercial Window Coverings Franchise
    Lapels Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About AWC Commercial Window Coverings

    AWC has gone through many changes since its beginnings in 1963.
    Over almost 60 years, the AWC team has developed a proven system for environmentally safe mobile dry cleaning.

    We offer a mobile one stop shop for all new window coverings and commercial dry cleaning services.

    Our objective is to offer our customers quality products and superior service at competitive prices.

    "Almost 40 years in business has taught us that each property is individual and unique, and that our success as a company is in direct proportion to our ability to meet the individual needs of you, our customers."

    For all your dry cleaning and window covering needs.

    About Lapels

    A Unique Concept in the Dry Cleaning Industry with a Standardized System from Store to Store
     * Image & Store Design
     * Training and Ongoing Support
     * Tested and Proven Marketing Programs
     * In-store Customer Loyalty Programs
     * A Consistent Customer Experience
     * Hours of Operation
     * Store Operations Manuals
     * Lapels Branded Marketing Materials and Supplies
     * Franchisee Participation is Encouraged
     * Point-of-Sale Computer System
     Lapels Dry Cleaning is a recognized name in dry cleaning. When you own our franchise, you benefit from that name recognition, which helps build your business. Lapels Franchising has built a track record of helping our franchisees grow their businesses. We get you started and provide ongoing support regardless of where you're located or what challenges you face. With a Lapels franchise you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. Our corporate team will be right there working with you to assure your success. In addition, you will be working with other franchisees to compare operational procedures and new strategies along the way. Lapels Dry Cleaning has not only pioneered an innovative dry cleaning store concept but has gone one step further with the establishment of trend setting Quality Control and Wholesaler Liaison positions that are filled by Lapels franchisees, the people at the store level who have day-to-day, hands-on knowledge of what the customer wants.

    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #394 in Franchise 500 for 2020.