Guardsman FurniturePro vs Decorating Den Interiors Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Decorating Den Interiors Franchise
Investment $16,500 - $59,000$52,580 - $70,355
Franchise Fee $12,000 - $20,000$39,900
Royalty Fee Varies7-9%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 18651969
Year Franchised 19941970
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
Decorating Den Interiors Franchise
Experience -
  • Decorating skills; people skills

  • Financing Options

     
    Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
    Decorating Den Interiors Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoYes/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoYes/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
    Decorating Den Interiors Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicks, National mediaCo-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

    100% of current franchisees are owner/operators

    Franchise can be run from home.

    1% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Guardsman FurniturePro Franchise
    Decorating Den Interiors Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    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 Decorating Den Interiors

    In 1969 Steve Bursten started Interiors by Decorating Den to offer interior decorating services to working couples and individuals who didn't have the time to shop for home d'r themselves. Today franchisees work out of custom-designed vans, bringing drapery, furniture, carpet and wall covering samples to the customer's home or office. There the franchisee helps the customer select everything from window treatments to furniture to artwork.

    All franchisees go through 80 hours of initial training at Decorating Den Lifestyle University. That is followed up by six months of classroom work, home study, meetings, seminars and on-the-job training that may include working with an experienced decorator.