Guardsman FurniturePro vs Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise
Investment $16,500 - $59,000$495,000
Franchise Fee $12,000 - $20,000$35,000
Royalty Fee Varies0
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 18651902
Year Franchised 19941987
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise
Experience -
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
    Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
    Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise
    Training -Administrative & service management
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaAd slicks, 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

    100% of current franchisees are owner/operators

    10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 14

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
    Norwalk Furniture & Design Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 Norwalk Furniture & Design

    For more than 100 years, we've helped furniture shoppers create something unique. Since 1987, we've done the same for our franchisees. Our philosophy is simple: Create stylish, one-of-a-kind upholstered furniture in an intimate, service-oriented retail environment. That means a low-inventory investment for you and an extraordinary selection for your customers. It's this one-of-a-kind furniture store concept that makes our nearly 80 Norwalk Furniture Idea stores a growing success and the right concept, at the right time. Why Norwalk Now? Consumer research shows people spending more time at home these days. They see their home as their refuge, their sanctuary from the pressures of the world. More time at home results in more spending to decorate those homes. And today's sophisticated, upscale consumer does not want to settle for ordinary, off-the-shelf decorating solutions.