Guardsman FurniturePro vs Apricot Lane Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Guardsman FurniturePro vs Apricot Lane including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Apricot Lane Franchise
Investment $16,500 - $59,000$137,150 - $361,800
Franchise Fee $12,000 - $20,000$39,500
Royalty Fee Varies5.5%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 18651991
Year Franchised 19942004
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Apricot Lane Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Apricot Lane Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
Equipment No/NoNo/No
Inventory No/NoNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support
 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Apricot Lane Franchise
Training --
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Ad slicks, National media-
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

100% of current franchisees are owner/operators

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 5

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

Expansion Plans
 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Apricot Lane Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion YesNo

Company Overviews

About Guardsman FurniturePro

A division of Lilly Industries, Guardsman WoodPro is a mobile business that repairs furniture and refurbishes kitchen cabinets. It also offers a complete furniture stripping and refinishing program. It is a member of the Premier Home Services group.

About Apricot Lane

Our Apricot Lane specialty retail stores are part of a Country Visions retail franchise system that specializes in unique gifts, fashion accessories and home decor products. When you join the Country Visions franchise system, you will benefit from one of the most advanced operational systems in the nation. You will gain access to extensive networking resources, including preferred national vendors who offer our stores volume discounts and exclusive products; marketing support from our in-house advertising; state-of-the-art point of sale, inventory management and computer support systems; and national franchise conventions for direct franchise networking and training. You will also be trained by our professional staff at our Country Visions University in visual merchandising, pricing strategies, customer service, marketing and computer systems, as well as employee motivation and development.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of your first COUNTRY VISIONS store is $137,150 to $361,800 for a start-up store. This includes $37,500 to $49,300 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of your second and each subsequent COUNTRY VISIONS store is $112,650 to $337,300 for a start-up store. This includes $18,000 to $24,800 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.