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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of American Leak Detection vs Bath Fitter including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $76,755 - $259,550 | $120,000 - $175,000 |
Franchise Fee | $29,500 - $120,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee | 6-10% | 0 |
Advertising Fee | - | - |
Year Founded | 1974 | 1984 |
Year Franchised | 1984 | 1992 |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 years |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 years |
Renewal Fee | - | - |
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/Yes | No/No |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | No/No |
Equipment | No/Yes | No/No |
Inventory | No/No | No/No |
Receivables | No/No | No/No |
Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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Training | On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours Additional Training: Annual convention | - |
Support | Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Online Support Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations |
Marketing | Co-op Advertising National Media Regional Advertising SEO Website development | Ad slicks |
Operations |
Franchise can be run from home. International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 7% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 3
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
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Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 - 4
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion | Yes | No |
International Expansion | Yes | No |
In 1984 Bath Fitter created its first bathtub liner, an acrylic bathtub that fit over an existing tub. The company soon added one-piece acrylic bath walls and accessories to its product line.
Bath Fitter franchisees now also install accessories such as soap dishes, towel racks and shelves.
Liners are made to measure, fitting around existing plumbing fixtures. Walls can be installed to cover existing tile.