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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Today's Window Fashions vs Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $49,000 - $55,000 | $283,270 - $852,975 |
Franchise Fee | $49,000 | $50,000 |
Royalty Fee | 4% | 6% |
Advertising Fee | - | - |
Year Founded | 1993 | 1955 |
Year Franchised | 1997 | 1992 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee | $750 | $2.5K |
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/No | No/No |
Equipment | No/No | No/No |
Inventory | No/No | No/Yes |
Receivables | No/No | No/No |
Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | - |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter, 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 advertising | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising |
Operations |
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) |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 90% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (30% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | - |
Canada Expansion | No | No |
International Expansion | No | Yes |
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.
Aaron's Rents offers furnishings such as big screen televisions, couches and refrigerators for rental or purchase at its stores across the United States. R. Charles Loudermilk Sr. began the business in 1955, renting folding chairs he had purchased from an army surplus store for 10 cents a day. Today the company rents items for a few days or weeks, or sells items on 12- to 18-month terms.
Aaron's Rents began franchising in 1992. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ.