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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Today's Window Fashions vs Mr. Sandless/Dr. DecknFence 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 | $26,810 - $77,385 |
Franchise Fee | $49,000 | $5,000 - $20,000 |
Royalty Fee | 4% | 3%+ |
Advertising Fee | - | 1% |
Year Founded | 1993 | 2004 |
Year Franchised | 1997 | 2005 |
Term Of Agreement | 5 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 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 | -/Yes |
Start-up Costs | No/No | -/Yes |
Equipment | No/No | -/Yes |
Inventory | No/No | -/Yes |
Receivables | No/No | -/Yes |
Payroll | No/No | -/Yes |
Training & Support |
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Training | - | On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 10-20 hours |
Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform |
Marketing | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing |
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) | Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 2 |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | 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.