Blind Man of America vs DOTI Design Stores Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Blind Man of America vs DOTI Design Stores including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Blind Man of America Franchise
DOTI Design Stores Franchise
Investment $45,500 - $69,100$290,000 - $398,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$37,500
Royalty Fee 4.3%6%
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19911983
Year Franchised 19961999
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years5 years
Renewal Fee $1K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Blind Man of America Franchise
DOTI Design Stores Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Management experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone lineNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Blind Man of America Franchise
    DOTI Design Stores Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Blind Man of America

    The Blind Man of America is a home-based business providing customers with in-home selection of custom-made blinds, shades, shutters and more. We work from home and travel in the "blind mobile", our full-service vans containing everything we need to provide our customers with an unsurpassed selection of products with professional installation. Our concept is framed in its simplicity. The idea is this - most of today's home owners know what they want in window coverings, but they want someone else to do the critical measuring and installation. That's where  Blind Man of America comes in. We provide a huge selection of quality products, provide expert measuring and installation, and guarantee it all!
    We provide this service to our customers in the comfort of their own home and all with unmatched customer service. It's a concept that consumers love and a system that's easy to implement for our franchisees. But, does it work? Judge for yourself. As a whole, our company averaged a 59% closing ratio in 2004 which means 6 out of every 10 estimates we've converted to sales. Our franchisees in business three years or more averaged a 55% repeat and referral business as well.

    About DOTI Design Stores

    When Jim and Michele Evanger purchased Barrington, Illinois-based Designs of the Interior (DOTI) in 1993, they had big plans for expanding their new company. The couple added two locations by 1997 and started franchising in 1998. DOTI has recently shifted its franchise concept from that of a small design studio to a larger design store.

    DOTI's stores average 5,000 square feet in size and provide everything from upholstered furniture and rugs to accessories, lighting and window treatments. The company offers both single-store and multistore development programs.

    DOTI has reached agreements with various manufacturers to develop its own private-label line of furniture. Franchisees that take advantage of the program can then sell merchandise reflecting the DOTI brand to their customers.